At thegreenlist.nl we are doing things a little differently this year. Instead of sending Christmas cards, we suggest an idea that makes us very happy: donate your Christmas card budget to a good cause that touches you. So this year, our own Christmas budget went to... the toadstool.
Doubts about Christmas cards
The doubt about Christmas cards has been playing out here for a few years now. Sending cards is very sweet - and some people really look forward to it - but at the same time we wondered: who are we doing this for? And is that huge stack we finish every year still necessary? In the end, we noticed that the gesture is mainly about giving attention. And attention can be given in many more ways than just paper and stamps. Sorry PostNL... Especially because at best those cards get a nice spot for a few weeks and then end up in the paper bin again.
So last year we already took a different tack: we donated two euros to the Waddenvereniging on behalf of every relation, under the slogan: ‘What am I giving you for Christmas this year?’ Instead of a card, we sent an email with this message. It felt personal, warm and surprisingly nice. And the reactions were even nicer! So it was worth repeating, we thought.
Donation to the toad ladder
And this year? This year, we were immediately sold when we came across the video on LinkedIn about the toad ladder. A project by Ravon which saves literally thousands of toads, frogs and salamanders every year. You may never have heard of it. And that is exactly what makes it so beautiful. It is a small, indigenous and super-local project that does not get much attention, but is hugely needed.
Every year, up to a million amphibians end up in street and pavement gullies. They cannot get out, become exhausted and eventually die. The toad ladder is the simplest solution ever: a small step in the gully that allows them to clamber up by themselves and happily hop on again.
So we opted for the same principle again this year: every relation who would otherwise receive a Christmas card from us will now receive a donation of two euros to the toadstool on their behalf. And again we send an email with the message. This time with the subject line: ‘Completely off the mark these holidays’.
Christmas cards out the door
So does it mean Christmas cards are completely out the door? Nice pun. For your grandmother, your mother, your aunt who puts it on the chimney and looks at it all December... lovely, just do it! Some people genuinely enjoy such a card, and we don't want to change that. We even have tips on how to make your own from scrap paper great cards and envelopes can make. But for friends, colleagues, customers or business associates for whom a card has become mostly a formality? Then this is a perfect alternative! So which purpose will it be for you?
More tips
- Also see: Do you already know the Fish Asylum?
- Also see: how to help birds in the garden through the winter!
Photo credit: Nick Jansen for Ravon.
