​As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of shopping lists, crowded stores, and the pressure to find that perfect gift. But what if there were a different way to celebrate Christmas—one that focuses less on consumerism and more on the true spirit of giving?

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The Alternative Christmas Fair is a State College tradition with the true spirit of Christmas at its heart. Founded and sponsored by State College's University Baptist and Brethren Church (411 South Burrowes Street), this year's fair will take place Sunday, December 8th from 10:30 to 2 p.m. at the church's Fellowship Hall and Fireside Rooms. It will offer a fresh, heartwarming approach to holiday shopping. Instead of browsing endless aisles for material gifts, you’ll have the chance to connect with local, regional, and even international charities, making a real difference in the world by giving back in the name of your loved ones.

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Dick Jones is co-chair of the 2024 fair, which is set to hit a very impressive fundraising milestone  this year. 

"The Alternative Christmas Fair began in 1982 and, since then, has raised $992,078 for participating charities. This year, we will go over the million-dollar mark," Jones says.

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The event has proven to be hugely successful, and the church makes sure every penny goes directly where it's intended. "While UBBC runs the event, it does not keep a penny of the money donated to the charities," Jones notes. "We regard it as one of our missions in the community. While the in-person event on Dec. 8 is the 'heart' of the ACF, there are also opportunities to give online or by check between Dec. 1-22"

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Gail Guss is the co-chair of this year's fair. According to Guss, the fair is an opportunity to not only support charities, but also to show children what the holiday - and being a Christian - is all about. 

"The Alternative Christmas Fair allows us to be our best selves and is a powerful model for our children in living out our Christian values," Guss says. "Being the 'hands and feet' of Christ necessitates serving our brothers and sisters, certainly before ourselves - putting others first."

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Jones sees the event as an opportunity for Christians to enjoy a non-commercial Christmas that's focused on the true spirit of the season. "As long as I can remember, Christians have complained about the commercialization of Christmas," Jones says. "Well, the Alternative Christmas Fair is 180 degrees away from the traditional holiday shopping experience. It’s all about giving and serving the needy."

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Give the Gift of Kindness

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Jones notes that, despite the commercialization of Christmas, the spirit of giving at the heart of the holiday remains intact - and the central pillar of the fair. "Of course, the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas stems from the story of the Three Wise Men in the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel," Jones says. "And no matter how secular the holiday has become in the years since, the spirit of giving has never been lost. What the Alternative Christmas Fair does is channel that giving spirit in a more altruistic way."

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At this year's fair in downtown State College, you’ll discover a wide variety of charities that reflect the passions and causes close to your heart — or your friends’ and family's hearts. Whether it's supporting local shelters, providing education for children in need, protecting the environment, or helping international aid efforts, there’s a cause for everyone.

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What makes this event so special is the ability to give a truly meaningful gift. When you donate to a charity on behalf of someone, they’ll receive a beautiful card informing them that a donation has been made in their name. It’s a gift that transcends traditional presents—one that shows your loved ones how much you care about what matters to them and the world around us.

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Break Away from the Tyranny of Stuff

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We all know how easy it is to get swept up in the commercial side of the holidays - we buy stuff for our family and friends. Stuff they don't need; stuff we don't really want to give them. The Alternative Christmas Fair gives us the chance to take a step back and focus on what the season is really about.

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"The ACF frees you from the tyranny of 'stuff,'" Jones says. "Very few of us need more things, more stuff. What we need is the satisfaction that the gifts we are giving will do some good in the world. That’s the reward the Alternative Christmas Fair provides. You want an example of the tyranny of stuff? Storage sheds. We have so much stuff we can’t keep it all in our houses."

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Shopping at this unique fair allows you to:

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• Reconnect with the spirit of giving by choosing gifts that help others rather than adding to the clutter of consumerism.

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• Celebrate the values of the season by spreading hope, joy, and kindness through donations that can make a lasting impact.

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• Support your community by meeting local charities and learning firsthand about the incredible work being done right in your backyard.

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Gifts That Warm the Heart

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Imagine the smile on your friends' faces when they open a card that says, "A donation has been made in your name to support a local food bank," or "You’ve helped plant trees to restore forests." These gifts have a ripple effect—warming hearts, supporting important causes, and spreading the joy of the season far and wide, through the State College community and beyond.

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Not only does this kind of gift-giving leave your loved ones feeling appreciated, but it also creates a shared sense of purpose. By attending the fair, you and your friends can explore dozens of charitable organizations, learning about the incredible work they do and finding the causes that resonate with you both.

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"Sitting at your kitchen table and writing a check to a charity is a private act. But attending the Alternative Christmas Fair in person is quite different," Jones says. "The 'shoppers' interact with the charities, learn more about them, and have their eyes opened to the many publics that the charities in our community serve. The representatives of the nonprofits themselves enjoy the bustling interaction with the public. And you can eat lunch!"

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Guss says that even the charities in attendance get to learn more about each other. "Charities also have the chance to interact with each other to learn more about available services and possible collaborations," Guss notes. "It is also fun to see those representing different charities enjoying lunch together!"

 

Join Us at the Alternative Christmas Fair

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This holiday season, break away from the hustle of the shopping malls and the tyranny of 'stuff' and experience something truly special. The Alternative Christmas Fair invites you to celebrate Christmas in a way that’s meaningful, festive, and filled with joy. Together, we can make a difference, one donation at a time.

Whether you’re a seasoned alternative shopper or new to the idea, we can’t wait to welcome you. Join us to recapture the true spirit of Christmas and give the gift of love, compassion, and kindness.

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Let’s make this Christmas season one to remember—for all the right reasons. Come out on Sunday, December. 8th between 10:30 am and 2 pm to the Alternative Christmas Fair at 411 South Burrowes Street in State College. Sponsored by the University Baptist & Brethren Church, you're sure to find the true spirit of Christmas. Learn more at www.ubbcwelcome.org/acf