It’s time again for Non-Consumer Mish-Mash, where I write a little bit about this and a little bit about that.
I woke this morning to read on my Yahoo home page that, Obama warns of a “double dip recession.” Normally I am all about the double dip. Peppermint and chocolate; french vanilla and strawberry; cookies and cream and mocha almond fudge.
That’s some good double dip!
But this double dip is not referring to ice cream, but instead is “When the economy begins to recover briefly from a recession only to be dragged back under.” Because as much as there continues to be news about how we’re pulling out of this recession, unemployment numbers continue to rise. I am not an economist, (and somehow even managed to escape college without taking that dreaded Economics 101 class) but when over 10% of the American workforce is unable to find work, I’d be hard pressed to declare us on the road to recovery.
Lesson here?
Double dip ice cream good, double dip recession bad.
I have a goal this year to actually enjoy the 2009 holiday season. I normally stress so much about finding the perfect gifts for everyone, having my house be holiday entertaining ready, not spending too much money and playing the role of the hostess with the mostessthat I end up resenting and pretty much hating the holiday seaon.
Not being Christian, (I’m Jewish, although we had a tree and Santa when I was growing up) and being a Non-Consumer pretty much leaves me out of the bulk of the season.
But I have a goal this year to make this season into something that I can love. In years past we have “adopted” a family from a domestic violence shelter and held a big holiday party where everyone brings gifts for the family from their wish list. This list includes everything from grocery store gift cards to furniture, clothes and toys. We stopped holding this party a couple years ago because it’s expensive to put on not to mention a huge amount of work. But I’ve decided to hold this party again this year and my husband is fully on board.
I think that trying to find my own joy and reasoning for the holiday season will help bring meaning back into what can otherwise spiral into an extremely stressful time of year.
If you are already hosting a holiday party, whether it’s at home or work related, why not add an element of helping those in need? It can be as simple as food for your local food bank or even a coat drive for area foster kids. People are usually in a giving frame of mind this time of year and are looking for opportunities for generosity. Give it a try!
Readers have been asking whether I will post a video or a summary of the talk that I am giving tonight on “Choosing a Non-Consumer Life for You and Your Family.”
I will not be video taping the talk, as it’s more a group discussion than a speech. Plus I have enough to try and coordinate without worrying if I’m sucking my stomach in at all times. 😉
I will have hand outs which I will share on the blog, and should write up a summary in the next few days.
I will also be speaking this coming Saturday the 21st at the Vancouver public library on “Reduce, Reuse, Rejoice: Sustainable Holidays” and am looking for ideas from my greatest resource — my readers.
What ideas do you have to share on helping the holiday season become more sustainable?
I want to make sure I have loads of great ideas and resources to share with those who brave the wind and rain, (It’s the Pacific Northwest, so I can only assume) to come and see me in person.
Please share your ideas in the comments section below. I really need your help!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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