I had such good intentions. I do every year. I plan my Christmas shopping and think: this way is ideal. Last year it was ideal to buy online. I figured having things shipped to me would not only save fuel costs on my end, but reduce fuel emissions by having one truck make deliveries rather than add to all the little cars that drive around to shop. It would also save the stress and aggravation of sorting through crowded stores with a stroller. I liked the idea of the packages coming to me. Ideal.
This year I upped the ante. I would buy local. I would walk to all of the beautiful stores in my neighborhood and support local businesses. No Toys R Us. No Amazon.
One factor that affected this senario is our buzzer. When people come to our door, like say, the postal workers that deliver packages, sometimes our buzzer works and sometimes it doesn't. And they never leave the packages. Too risky. They leave little orange slips that tell me they tried, but I'll have to go get the package at the Post Office. Therefore delivery options are less convenient in this apartment.
My good intentions lasted the first day. I took my list, and my family, and my belly with the aches and pains that it has been daily assaulting me with (some nerve something, totally normal and here until May, when the kiddo emerges) and headed out. We had great luck at our local toy stores, bad luck at our local bookstore and came home with only a few things crossed off of the list. The best part was stopping at our local Starbucks where Andrew and I shared a Peppermint Hot Chocolate. So good to support our local businesses.
I did have one day of not only good intentions, but also good deeds. I attended a craft fair and picked up several things for various pals. I patted myself on the back for finding great gifts that supported artisans. This craft fair was in Vermont, though. So, not really local to me, but definitely not corporate.
So, I need to confess, I just got off of Amazon with my second holiday order of the season. The local idea did not last long.
Does going half-sy count?
9 comments:
Beautiful cards!
And yes, it all counts. You always find the right gifts for each person and every person. =)
when they actually get to them....
Hi Robyn, I don't know you -- well only through your blog -- and I don't think I've ever actually left a comment, although I have thought of lots of them....
I think because I just finished the Barbara Kingsolver book about living "locally" I was inspired to write a comment.
I think that any effort you make to give your money to local articsans, farmers, craftspeople -- the better for our planet.....
So, absolutely half-sy's count!!
I just realized that my post came from "Ms. Walker" -- that is what my students call me. You can call me Jennifer :)
Thanks Jennifer! Was the book Animal, Vegetable Miracle? I asked for that for Christmas (from my sister, Tara Whalen!). I am excited to read it, but am worried it will be a hard one to swallow.
Oh no, now I better go pick it up =)
Actually your gifts are already on their way, so it's too late.
Last Christmas Cuong got excited about an article on how to make your own Christmas presents, including instructions on a home-made couch. I said what I always say when I think he's out of touch with reality, "You do it." Nobody is getting a couch from us this Christmas. :)
Hi Robyn, yes that's the book. I love Barbara Kingsolver, so I am biased, but I really enjoyed the book...some recepies (sp?)...some stories...and lots of ideas to think about.
I think simply being conscious of the importance of making that effort is great.
Your cards are really lovely, too.
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