Forget Black Friday

Seriously. Just forget it. I’ve done it, I know there’s community, fun, the thrill of getting that fabulous deal & that perfect toy for your kid. Seriously though, Black Friday turned last year, at least in my opinion. I draw the line when the quest for a good bargain costs someone’s life. PERIOD. No deal is worth a life. So this is my declaration that I’m jumping off the hamster wheel, or the Zhu Zhu Pet wheel since that’s the must-have toy this year. I won’t do it.

I’m carefully & prayerfully considering how our family will approach the holidays this year. First, we’re trying homemade items. I should have started long ago, but I’m working on it.

Photo by Steve Rhodes

I’m also considering alternative methods, especially those that might be green. When it’s acceptable by the person (and for my kids), I’ll try to gift used, but still in great condition items like books & DVDs. Seriously, why does everything have to be new? There’s no need for us to cut down more forests so that everyone can have their own personal copy of Harry Potter or Twilight to sit on a shelf forever, never to be read again. Swaptree is your friend.

Lastly, I’m thinking about people. This means I’m really considering how & where my money is spent. Sure, I can save a couple of bucks if I go to the big box, but where does that money really go? Does it go to corporate greed or worse yet, China or other countries where children may or may not be stitching everything together in poor conditions? Or can I spend a few more minutes and a few more dollars and purchase from an artist or a crafty stay-at-home mom who understands the value of hard work, who is passionate about what they do, and most importantly supports charities or other artists with their well-earned dollars? Take a moment and think about it. Will your child even recall in 5 years what piece of plastic they are begging for this week? Will it be a treasured item that they’ll remember their whole life? Let’s get back to what’s important.

Now I’ll step off my soap box and put my money where my mouth is. As a continuance of the Handmade Holidays theme, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite people I stalk online and share with you their sales. If you have an Etsy shop or other online presence and are planning a sale, drop me a line at wistfulwrists@gmail.com. Tell me a bit about yourself, what you are passionate about; link me up to your shop, blog, Twitter & don’t forget to share the details of your sale (especially start & end dates). I’ll share them at the appropriate time.

Remember, each of us has the ability to make a difference. Small changes can have big impact. You can make someone else’s holiday brighter and create memories for your own family at the same time.