As you embark upon the task of Christmas shopping -whether it is a chore or a delight to you – consider these alternatives ot the mall, Amazon or gift cards:
Monastery Greetings is a clearinghouse for items made and distributed by religious communities.
For readers in England, Spirit’s Gift is a similar outfit.
Then, of course, there are alternatives like gifts that come from individuals and groups around the world, marketed by organizations dedicated to fair trade practices:
Ten Thousand Villages (origins in Mennonite Church)
A Greater Gift  (origins in Church of the Brethren, partners with Catholic Relief Services and Lutheran World Relief)
And then there’s also the choice to give to help people in need in someone’s name rather than just giving them more stuff for the closet.
Food For the Poor Gift Options
Many, many more international and local options on that score.
Simplify.