With just a couple weeks left of holiday shopping, I know I’m
a bit late to the game to be talking about gifts. But as I’ve been wrapping up
the last of my shopping, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to live
out the contemplative carnivore lifestyle even in seasons like this where the
emphasis is entirely on excess.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all about gift giving and
celebration. As someone who does not naturally have a love language of gift
giving, I look forward to this time of year when I really focus on loving my
family and friends with gifts that I’ve spent time, energy and money getting
for them. And I love to receive the wonderful things that my family and friends
have invested resources in to lavish on me.
But one thing I have tried to focus on in recent years is
exactly what kind of “stuff” I’m spending my money on. For me, this generally
means my Black Friday list is minimal and my online shopping list is lengthy,
which suits me just fine. But it also means being creative. So here’s a few
ideas I’ve used over the years to keep Christmas contemplative while still
finding fabulous gifts for loved ones.
1. Experiential gifts: Tickets to a concert, a
play, a museum or sporting event. Movie tickets. A gift certificate to a nice
place to eat (preferably not a chain). A massage gift certificate. Giving
experiences as gifts is incredibly personal, good for the environment, and
creates a wonderful memory instead of gathering dust.
2. Food gifts: Stick to local or specialty items
that someone will use, but wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. Things like
olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, jam, pasta, chocolate, wine or spirits are
great choices.
3. Soaps and bath products: Try local, handmade items
or items from chains like The Body Shop or Bath and Body Works that avoid
animal testing, animal products and environmental destruction. Stick with
universally pleasing scents like citrus. Also, check out makeup tools, sponges
and other bath items that are eco-friendly like Eco Tools – a favorite of
Alicia Silverstone – at places like Walgreens: http://www.walgreens.com/search/results.jsp?Ntt=ecotools&x=0&y=0.
4. Antiques
and second-hand items: Check out local antique shops or consignment stores for
one-of-a-kind finds like dishes, vases, jewelry or even concert tees. Unique,
vintage items are very on-trend right now, so the older and funkier, the
better.
5. Handmade items: If you’re a DIY whiz, then you’re
way ahead of me on this one and have probably whipped up amazing creations for
everyone on your list. If you’re like me and can barely use a glue gun, visit
etsy.com for things like hats, handbags, picture frames and more that are
handmade using recycled materials.
More than anything, being contemplative means thinking twice
about not only what we buy, but what this season is really about. I pray that
much as you eat, buy and live your life a bit differently the rest of the year,
you’ll choose to live a bit differently this season as well. Happy holidays!

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