Yesterday I posted a piece on Buy Nothing Day and consumerism.
Some family members have communicated to us that they do not want the traditional gifts this year at Christmas and have made this request.
Consider making a donation to Food for the Poor instead of buying a material gift. We have so much and there are many in Latin America and the Caribbean who have nothing. Food for the Poor has a 96% fundraising efficiency rate, with less than 4% of donations going towards administrative costs.
I will be updating my Café à la Green page to promote alternative ideas for gift giving this season.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 
Consider sea creature adoption
Hi Dee,
I couldn’t agree more. I wanted to let you and your readers know that my organization – Oceana – is offering symbolic adoptions of whales, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. And with donations of $25 or more, recipients will receive special cookie cutters in the shape of your adopted creatures. It’s a great and easy way to give the gift of the oceans.
https://secure.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/oceana/content.jsp?content_KEY=2171
Thanks and happy holidays,
Maureen