For a person like myself who basically despises spending money or buying excess stuff, Christmas is a struggle. My favorite Christmases to date are still the ones I spent with very little in a tiny cinderblock apartment in China.
Last year I published an ethical gift list and thought nothing of it, but this year, I have some questions:
What is the definition of “ethical” when it comes to ethical shopping and gifts? (Does giving 1% of your profit to an anti-sex trafficking organization qualify you for this label?)
Does overspending because it provides jobs for farmers in Uganda qualify as “doing good”?
Do some “ethical” companies manipulate our desire to feel good about ourselves, perpetuate the White Savior Complex, and lead to excessive spending?
For example, here are some of the slogans I’ve run across in my research:
“shop with meaning”
“shop to end poverty”
“shop with intention and share in the joy”
“The jewelry she makes changes the world. What can your jewelry do?”
“Look good, feel good, do good, be good, give good, get good.”
“You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to make a difference.”
Pictures of white women kissing “native” women …
But here’s my conclusion in spite of still having questions: unless I want to announce that I’m no longer giving gifts to friends and family, I will be spending my money somewhere this season. Because of that, I prefer my money go to companies that will aid in improving the livelihood of someone else.
With this in mind, these are five ways I plan to simplify Christmas this year:
1. I’m only buying from ethical or green companies unless there’s absolutely no other way.
2. We’re setting a low number of gifts for each of our family (our kids know this … we don’t do birthday gifts from friends at parties, either).
3. I’m directing grandparents and family members to mostly write checks rather than send stuff for the kids (that way we can buy museum memberships that will last an entire year).
4. I’m buying all my gifts before Thanksgiving. (Ha! I figure it will put the pressure on if I announce that online …) This will reduce stress (in theory) and prevent me from making impulse buys at the last minute.
5. I’m buying everything online.
On Wednesday, I’m publishing my ethical gift list for this year. This time around, I will be sharing some companies that aren’t usually in the spotlight. I wanted to focus on companies that work directly with one or a few different countries instead of contracting with hundreds of artisans around the world. Think of them as the underdogs or “mom and pop” ethical companies doing good, but quieter, work around the globe. A few of them have offered discount codes for Scraping Raisins readers, so be sure and take a look!
What are some ways you simplify the consumerism aspect of Christmas?