Happy Holidays!
One of my favorite things about this time of year is the different ways people celebrate. I grew up with a series of wonderful Christmas traditions — a Christmas Sing, where my extended family gathered to sing carols; a trip to church on the evening of the 24th; stockings and tiny boxes of cereal on the morning of the 25th. As I’ve grown older, I’ve formed traditions of my own, like hanging red ribbons around my apartment and taking at least one trip to the ice rink. I’ve been lucky enough to join in on my partners’ family events as well — from singing carols around the piano to everyone contributing to stockings, my heart is warmed every minute i get to spend being a part of their celebrations.
But as I’ve grown older, I’ve also begun to struggle with the gift-giving piece of the season. I’m not the only one to feel that it’s become all about spending money (even Charlie Brown felt that way, so many years ago!). But I do feel a sense of ‘bigger and better’ when it comes to gift giving, even though my most cherished moments around this time of year are instead time spent with the ones I care about.
As I’ve been blessed enough to find a semblance of financial stability in my *gasp* late 20s, what I assumed would happen (treating my family and friends to more elaborate gifts) hasn’t. Instead, I find myself spending more resources to get them the most thoughtful presents, and somewhat unintentionally spending that extra money on causes.
I’ve always been willing and proud to support a large variety of organizations that do well for the world, but as a college student and then a new New Yorker, financial donations were fewer than I’d have liked. But this year, I’ve noticed myself pulling out my wallet more than ever before, partly because I can, but even more so because there are so many causes to which I feel compassionate.
Yes, there’s a certain political leaning to many of these gifts, but as I’ve come into my own world opinions and increasing level of comfort in my understanding of the way the world is run, I’ve grown increasingly grateful for the opportunity to shape the leaders who represent us in years to come.
All told, this post isn’t meant to pat myself on the back - instead, I want to highlight some of these causes and ask you to join my commitment and support. Rethink the Christmas traditions that matter most to you — you won’t regret it.
UNICEF - a cause I’ve support since I was a child - because every child deserves a chance.
Adalah Justice Project - a family friend and someone I admire very much is working tirelessly to
make sure Palestinians voices are heard.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Leaders like AOC represent everything I respect - a fearless willingness to stand for all Americans.
Planned Parenthood - Healthcare is a human right.
Happy holidays, everyone.