According to Wikipedia, International Tea Day has been celebrated for the last 12 years all around the globe. “International Tea Day aims to draw global attention of governments and citizens to the impact of the global tea trade on workers and growers, and has been linked to requests for price supports and Fair Trade.”

So what can we do here in America to celebrate this auspicious occasion? If you have a favorite tea shop in your community, go there alone or meet some friends to share a pot of your favorite tea. Supporting our local tea merchants will help to ensure that the establishment will continue to thrive and provide the best tea selections that are available.

A more time-consuming effort would be to invite some non-tea drinkers over and put on a great show for them. Bring out your favorite pots and cups, and demonstrate how to brew a delicious cup of tea. You can coordinate a holiday gift of some tea-related items to encourage them to get excited about tea. A large mug with stainless strainer and lid are ideal for newbies who can use them at home or take them to work. Although this one is most suitable for women, there are so many options to choose from:

Ceramic Tea Brewing Cup with Infuser Basket and Lid, Lotus Print

A simpler. and less expensive option could be just the strainer with lid that would easily fit into their existing favorite mugs:

Brew-in-Mug Extra-Fine Tea Infuser with Lid

For those relying on internet tea shops, be sure to have your kitchen stocked with delicious teas to offer your friends and neighbors when they stop by to celebrate the holidays. A hot cup of tea will always be welcome.

Finally, let’s send along some light and blessings to all the countless tea pickers around the world whose job is underpaid and overworked, but without whose efforts we wouldn’t have the exquisite pleasure of making a delicious cup of tea each and every day from the comfort of our own home.

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