An Indian Christmas by Anoop Kansupada

My brothers and cousins always get excited for Christmas—- but we do so in a very American way… not in a religious way. Christmas, as a holiday, is not about religion to my family, it is about getting together with family, having some drinks, and usually getting into an argument or two along the way.

I remember my first present from ‘Santa.’ It was hidden in the basement. I wondered how Santa got through the fireplace, snuck into the basement, and didn’t knock over anything in the process. When I got into the basement a brand new bean bag was waiting for me.

But I knew Santa didn’t deliver this present. The physics were impossible. And at 5 years old—- I knew where my parents hid our presents.

Fast forward some 20 odd years and the types of presents that my parents get us are quite different—- they all have a component of giving back.

I recently stumbled onto Uncommon Goods which does all the things I love (they even have a random knowledge generator—- like Snapple tops—- called Uncommon Knowledge.) The part that I love most about this company is the fact that they give back. And they give back a lot. They are a registered B Corp—- which basically means they do good and make money.

Right now they have some amazing gift guides:

For men: www.uncommongoods.com/holiday/christmas/christmas-gifts-for-men

For women: www.uncommongoods.com/holiday/christmas/christmas-gifts-for-women

Stocking Stuffers: www.uncommongoods.com/occasions/christmas-gifts/stocking-stuffers