In a “normal” year this would be the time to do your last minute shopping, travel to see family, and start celebrating with big family dinners and parties. But this year has been unlike any other: a global pandemic, social unrest, the imminent effects of a changing climate and so much more. Although all of these challenges might sound unrelated to you, social, racial and environmental issues are intrinsically connected and this year has brought us the opportunity to start seeing those connections more clearly.
So what if we used this Holiday season to recalibrate? To evaluate our priorities? Our needs as a family? Our dreams as a society? What if we used this Holiday season as an opportunity for introspection and contemplation? Here are some tips to start thinking about how to approach this unique Holiday season and how to make it the beginning of a new era.
The life cycle of gifts:
Take a minute to think about the life cycle of the item you want to buy:
What are the materials?
Where was it made?
Who made it?
For how long will I (or the person I’m buying it for) use it?
How will it be disposed of after that?
When you put every item you purchase under this kind of scrutiny, you realize that no matter how “green” companies tell you a product is, the real impact of your purchase is never reflected in the price. Natural materials, water, energy, labor, manufacturing, production, transportation, distribution, use, disposal. Think about the impact of that product long before the purchase and after the disposal. Something that looks “cute” or “fun” might loose the appeal once you ask yourself these questions.
The art of being present:
Our society puts so much value on our ability and willingness to consume but the idea of a healthy planet isn’t possible without the need to reevaluate our impact as consumers. When we put value in things other than objects: time, family, interactions and experiences, we open the door to new possibilities. We have the right and the power to imagine a more mindful society that thrives on the awareness of our interconnections with ourselves and with the environment.
Homemade gifts:
Take a moment to think about your skills and talents and how you can share that beautiful creative side of yourself with others. Sewing reusable napkins? Knitting a cozy sweater? Baking a pie? A homemade gift has unquantifiable emotional and sentimental value, and the creative process can benefit your mood and inspire others. A gift wrapping and tag making party could be a great way to save money and nurture the artistic talents of your entire family while using recycled materials like paper bags. You can also explore the Japanese art of fabric wrapping (furoshiki) for a beautiful and mindful alternative to gift wrapping.
Research has found that new and diverse experiences and spending time in nature and with family are linked to enhanced happiness. If we want to be a truly sustainable society, it’s time we put value back where it belongs. Happy Mindful Holidays!
By: Alejandra Warren
