So This Is Christmas...

Every year, I can't help but find myself marveling at what Christmas has become. A season of buying, stressing, busyness, and over-indulging. We run ourselves into the ground with endless hours of shopping and the plethora holiday parties and dinners to attend. Rather than a time of peace and joy, I hear so many people say, "I can't wait until this season is over and I can rest again." It doesn't have to be this way. Though I am guilty of some of these same things (definitely the over-indulging, thanks to my sister's endless and delicious Holiday baking), I still know that this season could be so much more. I've posted something similar to this for the past two years, and I doubt that I'll stop. No matter if it's new or old to you, it's always worth stopping for a moment and thinking about the real Christmas, imagining a Christmas that can still bring amazing change, hope, and joy into people's lives. I hope you'll take the time to watch the videos, they're at least well made if you don't get anything else out of them.

And if you're looking for ways to give gifts that help others, here are some resources. Need more? Just contact me, I've got plenty.

The Mocha Club. Something I've been a part of for years. Only $7 a month, two drinks at a coffee shop, helps give people clean water and resources in Africa. The do amazing work and have an online store with "Gifts That Give Twice."

Live FashionABLE. A new project from The Mocha Club. FashioinABLE sells scarfs (yes "scarfs" is equally as correct as "scarves" and I like it more) that allow women to have their own business, sustainable income, and freedom. Scarfs are trendy, go get one that helps someone other than a corporate CEO.

Sari Bari. I love this organization. Bags, scarfs, blankets and more hand-made by survivors of the Red Light areas (prostitution/brothels) in Kolkata, India. Each product comes marked with the name of the woman who made it, and you have the chance to become a part of that woman's freedom story.

Red Earth Trade Company. A division of Global Support Mission, Red Earth sells jewelry and home products directly from Nepal and Africa. What you buy supports individual artisans and businesses, and you can even get to know the people who make the products.

Blood:water Mission. I've supported them for years. I love their work. Providing clean water and clean blood to people who don't have access to it. Getting down to the absolute basics of life.

Word Made Flesh. Great people. They help run Sari Bari and work in many marginalized areas, befriending those in need and treating people with dignity and respect.

Charity Water. Priding clean water to those without any access to it. The same thing as blood:water but without a religious aspect.

World Hope International. Deals with education, microfinance, anti-trafficking, orhpan trusts, and more.


2009 Advent Conspiracy Promo


2008 Advent Conspiracy Promo