that's right. you read that correctly. i'm already starting to think about christmas. but it's not just christmas that i'm thinking about, it's the presents i'm thinking about. it's excitement and worry at the same time. how will we afford it? will people like what we give them? who should we buy for? who should we not buy for? what can i make this year? what can i make that people will actually like, enjoy, and use?

while, i enjoy christmas and all the extras i do confess it is very easy to be swept up in the consumerism of plstic. i've been reading about something started by a group of mennonites called Buy Nothing Christmas. it's a very powerful idea summed up in their FAQs as:


What is Buy Nothing Christmas?

Buy Nothing Christmas is a national initiative started by Canadian Mennonites who offer a prophetic "no" to the patterns of over-consumption of middle-class North Americans. They are inviting Christians (and others) all over Canada to join a movement to de-commercialize Christmas and re-design a Christian lifestyle that is richer in meaning, smaller in impact upon the earth, and greater in giving to people less-privileged.
Can I be a part of Buy Nothing Christmas even if I buy a few things?

Definitely. We are all going to have to buy some things. When you do buy things, we encourage you to remember principles like buying locally, fairly-traded, environmentally friendly packaging, recycling or re-using, buying things that last, and so on. The main aim of this campaign is not to save money (although that can be a side benefit), it's not to slow down the pace of Christmas (although that can be a side benefit), it is to challenge our over-consumptive lifestyle and how it affects global disparities and the earth. So, even though you might buy a few things at Christmas, it's important to think in these global economic terms.

religion aside, it's an interesting concept. i've been seriously considering particpating in this event. i know that i will buy some things (ie. housekeeping services for my parents) but my fantasy is to either make something that the receiver will love and cherish for years or that the receiver will use in real life for years. in short, i don't want my gifts to end up in a closet, in the basement, or in a landfill. also, andrew is young enough that he doesn't really understand christmas and 1 present is as good as 12 to him. in the end he always ends up playing in the box anyways.

some simple and easy things that i can do in support of the buy nothing christmas ideal

1. make handmade christmas gifts (& all year round gifts too!)
2. stop using wrapping paper. this year i will not buy wrapping paper! newspaper works wonders or i will make all my own reusable bags to put the gifts in.
3. buy handmade or free trade when neccesary to purchase a gift
4. buy local as well when purchasing a gift (ie. housekeeping services for my mother)
5. agree to not exchange gifts with a) co-workers b) adult friends & c) adult cousins (really, it would be much more fun to all go see a movie or go for supper anyways...)