Elisha Smith of the Center for Rural Affairsrecently moved her family a few miles down the road to the family farm where her husband was born and raised. One thing she looks forward to in the new home is having less. During the moving process it became painfully apparent that the Smith family had way too much unnecessary stuff. Elisha says it’s her quest this holiday season to find ways to buy less materialist items and give from the heart … and support her local rural community.
She has some creative ideas for doing both. For example, you could support a small, local farmer and give the gift of a food co-op or CSA membership. It’s a good way to support a local farmer, good food, community, and shared values. Another idea: Buy work from local artisans. And most important: Instead of giving presents, give the gift of your presence.
