Tag: consumerism

So – there are 2 days until Christmas & Hanukkah! 3 until Kwanzaa. Are you ready? If not – here are a few tips to get you through these next few days and have a stress-free holiday season!

– Hard to shop for friend or relative? Why not donate some cash to a charity in the name of your gift receiver? It will make both of you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, while helping someone in need. After all – shouldn’t the season of giving help us to extend our hearts to everyone – not just the people we know? Giving locally is always the best option, but if you want to give more globally try one of the following international groups –

Heifer International – Help hungry families feed themselves by donating the gift of an animal!
American Red Cross – I realize that the Red Cross is getting some bad publicity this past week related to their board of directors, but this should not overshadow the need. New Orleans is still in major disrepair and agony and every little bit helps. Blood, especially helps, so if you can donate it, please do!
Habitat for Humanity International – With all the tragedy that occurred in 2005, this organization is in need all over the world to help rebuild homes and lives.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters – The mission of this organization is “to provide a mentor for every child who needs or wants one”. A great group that helps kids – the future of our planet!

These are obviously just a few of the many many organizations that you could give to. So, be creative and find something in your own city to donate to. You’ll be glad that you did. Nothing beats the feeling of helping out!

Thanks for reading my column and if you liked it please pass it along to a friend! Have a joyous and peaceful holiday season and be safe!

Peace,
Hippiegrrl

I realize that this year has not been one of my finest here at backwash. Although it is my 4th year, my posting frequency dwindled immensely. I have no excuse, but I will say that 2007 will be the year of turning over new leaves. Not just in my personal and professional life, but also here, at backwash.

With all that said, I had to be sure and get a gift shopping post in, otherwise it just wouldn’t be me! In past years I have told you about the Holidays the Way They Should Be, The Holiday Rush One and Two, but this year I have decided to write something a bit different. Yes – the same idea of giving and who deserves it, but this time with a spin that I think backwashers will actually enjoy.

It is well known that many readers/writers here at backwash enjoy a good debate. If you don’t believe it, just take a look at the message boards any day of the week. On that bent – here is my suggestion for great gift giving ideas this year.

As you all know (or you will now) I am a liberal. Not just politically, but in pretty much every other aspect of my life. I have the attitude of letting everyone live their own lives and allowing me my freedom to live mine, without outside intervention. The pride that comes from being connected to progressive action is something that cannot be described and I certainly would not want to attempt swaying you.

However, since this is the season of giving – it is only fitting that we think of charitable contributions and dedication. What better gift to give your conservative friend then a subscription to Ms. Magazine. Bring some opposite viewpoints into the household and see how things go. What about a donation to your #1 charity (mine being Planned Parenthood) for your pro-life (I’ll be merry at this time and not use the real term “anti-choice”) buddy. If nothing else, these little charitable contributions work two-fold.

They give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, while also starting a debate that could rock the new year. Bonus!

So – next time you are wondering what to give to your Walmart shopping, basically in the dark about labour issues, cousin – why not a lifetime membership to your local food co-op. What better way to say happy holidays then this? Give them knowledge of great issues faced by other people and help those people out at a time when it is needed.

If you are the non-confrontational type, there is always the gift to your local community mission in the receivers name or a book educating them on these very issues. It might not start WWIII on Christmas morning, but it still makes a statement.

Whatever you do this holiday season, remember to honour those in need by giving what you can. Heck, you should really be doing this all year long anyway, but the holidays tend to bring out the best in us so go for it!

Peace – Hippiegrrl

If you enjoy this column please pass it along!

Back to the holiday shopping season. I realize that it is a bit past now, but for me it has really just begun. The tendancy for me is to wait until the last possible second for everything, get really really stressed out and generally catch a cold of some kind directly after Christmas that is caused by the level of stress wreaking havoc on my body’s immune system. Such a lovely holiday tradition. Such a wonderful way to spend the season.

I realize that everyone seems to complain about the commercialization of Christmas. That it is somehow “hip” to be anti-mall, anti-buy, anti-hoopla. The difference between the hipsters and myself is that I truly believe that Christmas has been co-opted by big business and that something needs to be done about it. Instead of sitting around and whining about the way things are some habit changes to lessen the reliance on big business are the order of the day.

To help you on your stress-free, Christmas shopping experience I have some suggestions to offer. If you prefer to skip the whole present buying mumbo jumbo please see my article from 2002 – “Holidays The Way They Should Be” detailing alternate ways of celebrating the holiday season.

Ways to have a stress free shopping experience:
1 – Shop at locally owned stores. Often you can get to know the owners and have a leg up on the best sales and when items will be coming into stock. This also supports your local community and gives you the ability to know and understand your local merchants political views.
2 – Bake cookies and assemble them in a lovely cookie tin purchased from your local flea market or thrift shoppe. Be sure to wash the tin thouroughly and line with wax paper before placing the cookie assortment in. This will make everyone happy and is even more thoughtful then that little gadget you thought the person “might” like. Everyone loves cookies!
3 – Make a record bowl from an old album purchased *again* at a flea market or thrift store (instructions on assembling a record bowl can be found here) and pot a small, window sized plant in it. Herbs are the best plants for these planters. A great way to re-use albums in a funky and earth friendly manner!
4 – Make some lovely candles (instructions for making candles can be found here) and arrange in a basket with a holder and some matches. This is *obviously* an adult oriented gift. Include instructions and warnings with the candles so your gift recipient doesn’t get burned!
5 – Shop online! There are still 2 or 3 days left to buy from many sites online. This cuts out the crowds and assures you that the items will be available. At this late date you will definitely want to be sure to pay a little extra for overnight shipping.
6 – The gift of your company is always best. Come to the family party armed with pictures, stories, games and other things that you find at home. Being the life of the party can be even better than buying everyone a gift they won’t use.

Happy Holidays and keep it stress-free, if at all possible!

Peace,
Hippiegrrl