Christmas is the season for giving. We give to our families, the community and friends. Gifts are a large part of the spirit of the holiday. When we do something for another, it adds to our well-being.
Ethical Christmas gifts are those that will help someone else just by using them. It can be gifts purchased to support a cause or a donation given in the name of someone else. The choice is yours.
Ethical gifts are best appreciated by someone who also likes to give to others in their lives. If you have someone on your Christmas list who is a regular volunteer worker or who donates to several causes during the year, they make a great candidate for an ethical gift. Know the people in your life who would most appreciate it.
Now maybe you don’t have enough money to make a donation in the name of everyone that you know. If so, you can turn your donation into a family gift. Let’s say that one of your good neighbors likes animals. Make a donation in their name to an animal rescue program or a wildlife fund. Present a plaque or card, to the family, stating that the donation was made.
For a greater level of support this year, buy your gifts and cards from organizations trying to raise money for global awareness campaigns. For instance, you can purchase recycled greeting cards from an organization that is trying to save the earth. Charities like the March of Dimes, The American Red Cross and UNICEF sell cards, the profits from which go to help in relief efforts and research.
Many people want to get in touch with the real spirit of giving around the holidays. It is okay to give gifts when the spirit in which they are given is one of love and kindness. Ethical Christmas gifts have the distinction of being timeless. A gift of a vase may sit in your living room and collect dust. A gift of new water wells for a poor village will continue to give even after Christmas is over.
Ethical gifts have the distinction of positive feelings tied to them. Parents know the frustration they feel when a toy that was begged for is tossed in the corner a week later. Instead of so many gifts that clutter up the household, you can teach kids how they can give to other kids just like them who are far away and need even the basic things like a meal or clothing.
Giving to a worthy cause gives you a chance to help others. You are actively making a difference in the world by choosing to give an ethical gift and/or receiving one graciously from another. Who wouldn’t get a deep down good feeling from that?
