This Christmas I've decided not to send cards. Instead, I'm going to donate the money I would have spent to Indian Futures for the Don't buy, Donate campaign.
I told one friend that I won't be buying cards this year, their response was "Bah, Humbug!"
That got me thinking. Didn't Scrooge teach us that we need to look after each other and it's good to give, especially to those in greatest need?
I could spend £30 on a big box of cards and buy individual ones for my family. They will receive them happily, read them once and then hang them up to collect dust until they get shoved in the recycling in 2018.
But my £30 will have a bigger impact and be put to use in a more meaningful way. Indian Futures could put that money towards a tablet or laptop children that have never used one. It could go towards creating opportunities for adults by paying for their teacher training, it would pay several teachers monthly salary!
For me, it's a no brainer. It's a small gesture on my part but instead of writing dozens of cards I'll be happy in the knowledge that I've contributed to creating opportunities and change.
After all, it's 2017 so I can send my nearest and dearest a text, a message on Facebook or Whatsapp, an email or even an E-Card to wish them the best of the season!