A Christmas sail.

Last year I spent Christmas in Newport, R.I., dipping my Hunter-clad toes in the icy Narragansett. This year I am far from the ocean (as far as I can be), but Santa (a.k.a. Mom) was kind enough to bring the coast to me in the form of this fabulous Sea Bag.

This tote, the signature holiday Green Star Bag, was made in Portland, Maine, from reclaimed sails. Since 1999, all materials (from canvas to Kevlar) have been recycled, restored, and stitched together by founders and designers Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler.

I had never heard of this brand but quick research shows that I received more than just a beach bag: Kubiak and Shissler are incredible women working hard to improve the lives of their fellow Mainers. 

Causes and projects they support include:

Sail Maine Scholarship Fund: they contribute funds to help children learn to sail.

Maine Cancer Foundation: they design limited edition Celebration Bags with pink ribbon sails.

Maine Correctional Institute for Women

Portland waterfront preservation

Thank you, Santa. (And thank you, Mom!)