The KInd Life Community Forum

i wanted to share a really easy way to have an even kinder christmas...as vegans and vegetarians our holiday meals are already kind to animals, ourselves and the environment but what about being kind with our financial resources during the holidays....?? for me and my husband, the answer is obstaining from the usual holiday frenzy of gift-buying for family and friends....instead, we ask them to choose between a few animal-friendly charities and donate money to them-- in their name. in most cases, the charities will send them a card advising them about the donation and what the money will be going towards.

i mean, does aunt kathy really need that wool sweater....and your nephew, another thomas the train set? instead of buying family and friends, material items that they most likely don't need and will just end up throwing away in a year's time-take your precious money and use it to make a difference in the world. in the end, isn't that what the holidays are all about??!

my husband and i choose to support the ASPCA and Farm Sanctuary and in previous years also supported Oxfam. i email my famly and friends months in advance and remind them that my husband and i are not in need of any christmas/holiday gifts and that if they want to do something for us to please donate $$ in our name to the charity of their choice or one of our choosing. i advise them of the charities we are supporting and to please choose one and how they would like the $$ to be used (i always include links to the charities so that they can do their research)....

now the holidays are stress free and my husband and i feel really good about what our money is going towards..... i wonder if anyone else has ideas about how to make the holidays kinder?