The MAHB Secretariat wishes you a happy holiday season!
We are using this blog post to gather your thoughts on how and what you are planning to celebrate this year? Do you have ways for navigating a time intended to promote peace, caring, and togetherness without getting caught up in the contest of overconsumption? How do we shift the expectations of the holidays back to valuing generosity over greed?
Please leave your thoughts in the comment section (here).
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Some initial ideas on gifts to get the conversation going:
In lieu of (material) gifts…
Spend time enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.
Embrace the spirit of generosity through volunteering.
Gift skills, which might sound an awful lot like the coupon books you made for your parents in elementary school, but I know I would really appreciate someone gifting me a tune-up on my bike. If they can do it themselves? Even better. Think about the skills you have and if anyone on your list could use them, or might want to learn them.
Or, gift labor. Maybe you do not consider yourself skilled at something that another needs done, but you have the time and are able to take it on.
If going the material route…
Consider “lower-impact” options, such as used books and toys.
Make a donation on someone’s behalf. Take the time to consider what they are passionate about and make a donation in their name to a cause that supports that passion.
Craft gifts yourself. Or, if your version of a hand-knitted sweater would look anything like the one I would make (we’ll call it “blanket-style”), consider shopping locally and at businesses you want to support.
Consider gifts that could help inspire others to connect with the natural world.
And that’s just the gifts…
What about the travel, parties, and food? How do you manage those expectations?
Please leave your thoughts in the comment section (here).
We are looking forward to hearing from you on how you will be celebrating the holidays. However you plan to do so we wish you a joyous season!