The Do More Challenge: Christmas Decorations with a Purpose

Yesterday I shared an article that changed the way I looked at Christmas decorations. Our family has decided from now on to only buy locally made or fair trade Christmas decor to make sure our Christmas joy isn't at the expense of someone else. If you are envisioning ugly, creepy and cheap looking ornaments and decorations, you couldn't be more wrong! I found some absolutely gorgeous pieces with wonderful stories you can feel great about purchasing and placing in your home or giving as gifts.

What is this Fair Trade thing anyway?
But first, I wanted to go back a little bit. I've been buying fair trade coffee for over a year after hearing what the working conditions are like at may of the coffee plantations. I'm privileged to work with a group that offers employment to artisans around the world and helps pull them out of poverty. So to me, switching to fair trade Christmas ornaments isn't too surprising to those who know me well. But I was sharing my new found knowledge with someone and they said "what is fair trade? I still don't understand".

Let me back up for a minute and explain what fair trade is. Some of you reading this may be way more knowledgeable about this subject than I am, so feel free to scroll down to the fun stuff below, but for those thinking "I'm so glad someone asked!", keep reading. Noonday, the company I work with I mentioned above, has a great list of fair trade standards here . The short version is this: when you buy a fair trade item, you know the person who made it was paid fairly and they work in a safe environment. No child labor or slavery here! You may be thinking, "is this seriously a problem still? Slavery? That's been over forever!" This short article from UNICEF written last year shares a little about modern day child trafficking and slavery.

Ten Thousand Villages
On to the fun stuff! My first fair trade ornament I ever purchased was from Ten Thousand Villages. It is so beautiful I keep it up year round. They have been selling fair trade items since 1946. And I love every single thing they sell. Here are a couple photos of some of the Christmas decorations they sell.

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/sheltering-cave-nativity

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/golden-star-ornament

NOVICA
Another great company I have purchased items from is NOVICA. Besides ornaments, they have gorgeous stockings and tree skirts, candles, Nativity sets, wrapping paper and cards, and even Holiday table settings. It is all amazing. Here are a couple of my favorites:

http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=168322

http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=61308&rectype=2

SERRV
Another company I found and will soon be purchasing from is Serrv. Wow. Gorgeous! They have beautiful Christmas decorations, some of which are now on my wish list. Here are a couple of my new favorites: