Its been nearly a year since my Mum & Sister very kindly gave me four trees for my birthday, the start of a Grove in my name in the Caledonia Forest. As the conversations about Christmas and presents start to bubble up around families I thought it might be nice to share the idea of gifting trees with others.
I am extremely grateful that I have the things I need, food, clothes, house and more around me on a daily basis, specially when others are struggling with the rising cost of living or extreme events like flooding or war. I am also conscious that I find Christmas an uncomfortable time causing me to be triggered by my concerns over consumerism and the damage it does to our planet and the conflicting desire to make my children happy.
Over recent years I have aimed to challenge myself to buy less, source ethical or alternative items, be creative, gift time rather than things. Its something I talk about with my family a lot, having children who see shiny new things wherever they look, definitely opens lots of chances for this conversation.
Being gifted trees is something lovely, they are in Scotland, though I won’t go and find my specific ones. I have to trust that they are there, helping to sequester carbon, hold the soil together, provide habitat for bugs & birds, being part of the rewilding of our country which it so desperately needs.
If you are considering what to buy someone for their next birthday, Christmas, or other celebration maybe a tree or two could be an option.
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