Finding Christmas Spirit
It’s (almost) that wonderful time of the year again…or the most stressful! Whichever way you look at it, Christmas is just around the corner. Research shows that more than half of Christmas shoppers in the U.S. start researching gifts as early as October. Those same consumers plan to spend more than $650 on gifts this Christmas season. That’s a lot of money! With all this in mind, I wanted to chat with you for a few moments before you finish your Christmas gift giving plans.
If you’ve spent any time around me, you know how much I believe in fair trade. The first principle of fair trade is to create opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. Can you think of anything more in keeping with the Christmas spirit? Add in factors like economic transparency; no child or forced labor, good working conditions, fair wages/profits, and you have a lot of great reasons to shop fair trade.
Christmas seems the perfect time to offer opportunities to those who don’t have as many financial advantages. So, since you are going to be spending money on gifts anyway, why not give gifts that multiply a positive impact? This year, I’m doing my best to give gifts with heart. That includes fair trade but also handmade gifts. I want to shop with small businesses, local makers and of course, buy gifts made according to fair trade practices. Let Aunt Sarah shop at Macy’s and Target and other big chains, not me. I love gifts that have been made with care and that carry a story with them. So, will you consider joining me in purchasing fair trade or handmade gifts this Christmas?
There are many wonderful arts and crafts show around this season to help us do just that, and Elevāt will be at many of them! Stop by and say, “Hi”, find some treasures and support local and global makers:
Nov. 3rd 9am-4pm-World Jubilee Fair Trade Market
Colonial Church of Edina, http://www.theworldjubilee.org/
Nov. 8th 4-8pm-Holiday Open House
A Beautiful Pause, Avalon shops, White Bear Lake
http://www.downtownwhitebearlake.com/events.htm
Nov. 10th 9am-3pm-Concordia Academy Holiday Craft Fair
Concordia Academy in Roseville, http://www.concordiaacademy.com/giving/craftfair.cfm
Nov. 17th 10am-4pm-Holiday Fair Trade Market
New Life Presbyterian Church in Roseville http://www.newlifechurchroseville.org/home
December 8th-10am-2pm-Elevat Showroom Holiday Open house
4900 Hodgson Connection
Shoreview, MN 55126
Come and visit the newly designed showroom featuring all of Elevāt fashion gifts in one place! Free coffee and holiday cookies and chat with Elevat’s buyer to hear the stories behind each item.
Gift openings will be much more exciting this year as you share about who and how each present was made!
