mercredi, novembre 30, 2005
please have snow and mistletoe
In the Calgary division of the Ryan-Jensen family, we do a name exchange at Christmas for stuffing stockings only. It has typically been the situation that several of us aren't exactly flush with cash during the holiday season so we have often foregone presents. Presents aren't really what the holidays are about anyway, are they?
So I wish I'd known about this next idea before now. Friday was international "Buy Nothing Day" - a growing protest day highlighting the disgusting over-consumption we are guilty of these days. I read about it in a new magazine I picked up the other day - "Adbusters" - I'm finding it incredibly thought-provoking and enlightening.
The next campaign by the group is just in time for Christmas: the "Buy Nothing Christmas".
(they're calling this guy "Zenta" - tee hee)
This campaign advocates some good ideas such as making thoughtful gifts for loved ones, or simply just enjoying the time together. It makes you question why we need gifts. Why not use our resources and creativity to come up with no-cost, personalized tokens, or yummy baked goods? What I look forward to the most during the holidays are the family meals (we do a FAB-ulous Christmas morning brunch, followed by turkey that evening - it's decadent) and yes, even going to church as a family (the one time of the year I'll agree to attending).
So I'll be buying some presents this year. But it's nice to see a movement such as this, encouraging us to re-examine some of the crazy values we've developed, don't you think. | ¶ 1:51 p.m.
So I wish I'd known about this next idea before now. Friday was international "Buy Nothing Day" - a growing protest day highlighting the disgusting over-consumption we are guilty of these days. I read about it in a new magazine I picked up the other day - "Adbusters" - I'm finding it incredibly thought-provoking and enlightening.
The next campaign by the group is just in time for Christmas: the "Buy Nothing Christmas".
(they're calling this guy "Zenta" - tee hee)
This campaign advocates some good ideas such as making thoughtful gifts for loved ones, or simply just enjoying the time together. It makes you question why we need gifts. Why not use our resources and creativity to come up with no-cost, personalized tokens, or yummy baked goods? What I look forward to the most during the holidays are the family meals (we do a FAB-ulous Christmas morning brunch, followed by turkey that evening - it's decadent) and yes, even going to church as a family (the one time of the year I'll agree to attending).
So I'll be buying some presents this year. But it's nice to see a movement such as this, encouraging us to re-examine some of the crazy values we've developed, don't you think. | ¶ 1:51 p.m.
