No, Christmas needn't be so commercialized. BUT it's upon us: the five-day weekend that stemmed from the old school Black Friday. Grey Thursday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday.... there may be one for the Sunday in between for all I know, I mean why skip a full day of shopping? 

But. But there is a cool way to swing it. Make your dollars that are going towards sweet gifts for friends touch lives. There are so many wonderful ways to do this. 

One year we "gave" our family cattle that someone on the other side of the world enjoyed. Another year we bought presents for a child whose parents were in prison through angel tree. 

This year we encourage you to check out two avenues (IF you're going to shop anyway): 
• I'm a small business owner. I'm all for Small Business Saturday. I've got my small business on Etsy. www.watercolordevo.etsy.com
• Download the Pure Charity browser plug-in to shop your Cyber Monday deals while amassing a percentage in your Giving Fund. Hit "Rewards" in the navigation bar above to begin.

We are working hard to bring Silas home. Consider joining us in our intentional shopping to do just that. The power of changing one life is what glorious stories are made of. You can be a part of that kind of awesomeness, too. 

Much love, 
A