Monday Musings: Holiday Season

November first is always the unofficial start of the holiday season. The commercials reflect this even earlier, and all the stores have rotated in their holiday decor and foods. It projects a very happy time of year.

However, this year has a bit of a different feel. There are people without paychecks and people without food. Small businesses have been hit by huge tariffs to produce and import their shop goods, and they are struggling. Nonprofits that provide items like clothing, bedding and food to those in need are seeing prices rise coupled with increased need.

Keeping all of this in mind, I'm trying to approach my holidays a little differently this year. I'm purchasing as many gifts from small businesses as possible. The options are vast, and often more special--jewelry, food, art, home goods and textiles. Even if they aren't handmade, they are likely carefully and thoughtfully curated. I hope we can share some of these goods and businesses throughout the next two months.

I'm also working on my own attitude; I'm trying to stay focused on giving rather than consumption. That may mean less screen time and more careful purchases. It may mean walking through a local store to select thoughtful gifts rather than filling my online cart. It may mean talking to my children about ways to give back and help people in need rather than comb through gift lists.

Realistically, we will likely see the Amazon truck in front of our house a few times and there may be a scramble for last minute holiday events, but I'm hoping this mindset shift will help us be better members of our community. Happy Holidays, everyone.