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Kate Hawkesby: The all-inclusive guide to having a woke Christmas

Author
Kate Hawkesby,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Dec 2020, 10:09AM
Here's how to avoid having a fight this Christmas season. (Photo / Getty)
Here's how to avoid having a fight this Christmas season. (Photo / Getty)

Kate Hawkesby: The all-inclusive guide to having a woke Christmas

Author
Kate Hawkesby,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Dec 2020, 10:09AM

Not that I want to sound cynical, because that report that said constant cynicism could increase your risk of heart disease is at the forefront of my mind, but I'm just warning you, Christmas could be quite woke this year.

It's 2020 and we've had a lot of time cooped up going nowhere to find things to complain about.

From people not wearing masks, to people not social distancing, to supermarket prices, to housing prices, to lockdowns, it's been the year of the whinge. You name it, we haven't enjoyed it.

So many of us are very much looking forward to this year being over and for Christmas to arrive.

But here's the thing - all that down time this year has led to lots of philosophical thinking and pondering the state of the universe. There've been Black Lives Matter protests, anti-lockdown protests, climate emergencies, protests against celebrity culture like Ellen's backstage manner: 2020's been awash with people trying to get people cancelled.

So here's the thing; we're all now playing it safe, aren't we? No one wants to step out of line.

So here's a handy list of things to avoid this Christmas.

One, plastic wrap, or in fact any wrapping paper that isn't organic, chemical free and possibly hand made. If you have to wrap presents do it in a reusable muslin cloth or something recycled. Make sure any gifts do not contain plastic.

Try to make your Christmas shopping sustainable and preferably from a not for profit charity outfit. Do not buy fast fashion, or anything made in China or in a child labour factory. Just don't.

The Christmas meal. Vegan, just to be safe. Offend no one. Did you know in England this year they're promoting a meat-free Christmas? Tesco says a growing number of its customers are switching traditional turkey for a plant based alternative. Sales of meat alternatives in the UK shot up by 18.4 percent during lockdown. You see? We're all trying to do the right thing.

What should you buy someone? Allbirds. A goat in Africa. Make a donation to a charity on their behalf. A book on female empowerment, self empowerment, any kind of empowerment. A recycled wetsuit yoga mat, a meditation course, a reusable coffee cup, a nature walk experience, essential oils, an electric car, a worm farm bin, a book on the Me Too movement.

Any of these things are acceptable 2020 gifts. You could do a nice card (handmade of course) with quotes about free speech and equality. (If my husband is listening, do not get me any of these things FYI).

In terms of Christmas table dinner discussions, the gender pay gap or Greta Thunberg should be it. Do not raise Trump, Ellen, Kevin Hart or JK Rowling.

These are just a few handy tips for a peaceful woke Christmas, I hope you've found them valuable as we head into the festive season.

 

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