Passionate Theme of the Day: Reflection

More inspiration following last week’s post regarding Lynn Twist and her book The Soul Of Money. The “Season of Frenzy”, (commonly known as Christmas) is upon us. So I thought I’d share this interesting link that was sent my way. www.buynothingchristmas.org is a campaign to encourage us to become better “citizens” and less like over consumptive monsters.

This site really got me thinking. So I’m sharing this as a resource for those of you who might want to consider a different alternative this holiday season. I struggle with this issue every year. I love to give. It’s NOT about not wanting to give. And I love to receive as well (who doesn’t, right?).

But it does seem silly for my family or friends to spend their cash on a sweater, a scarf, lotions or potions. Just because this is “how we’ve always done it”. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the holidays. But does it seem like we’ve gone off the deep end?

Here’s a question frequently asked on the BNC website:

Q. Can I be a part of Buy Nothing Christmas even if I buy a few things?

A. 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.

Now you’re thinking, “Interesting concept Kam, but if we don’t BUY gifts, what DO we do?” Here are a few examples of what folks are doing:

·I’m going to give my art this Christmas. It gave me the motivation to finish the production of a demo CD. The first copies will go to my family and friends. —Gabriel
·Just try make a spiritual gift, not material, not an object. I prefer doing something - singing a song, writing a poem - for a person. Plus a little beautiful card, because most people want to “have something in the hands,” it’s just a habit. —Matania, Russia
·I have been going down to my local recycling centre to see what’s on offer. To my surprise, I found 10 glass coffee containers. Which are now glassed painted and filled with goodies for kids. - Sophia
·A couple of years ago I did a calendar for the family with everyone’s photos and birthdays. That was a big hit. – Karin
·Books on tape - this is great if you have two or three people on your list that will enjoy the same book, it only costs time! A compilation CD of the choir my husband and I sing in. – Noelle
·Adopting a polar bear, snow leopard or giant panda in the name of all my friends and family members from World Wildlife Fund. – Matt
·We have just launched a new scheme in the UK called Wedding List Giving Ltd. It allows the prospective bride and groom to choose a charity and ask guests to donate towards the “gifts of their choice.” Hannah Crouch [Editor’s note: the site includes charities like the Alzheimers Society, Amnesty International, Cancer Research UK, Children’s Express, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Oxfam, Tearfund and others.

I’m really chewing on this one. What DO I want to do for my family and friends this Christmas? I honestly love spending time with people, sharing good conversation a yummy bottle of wine and relaxing! Yet, every year I put off gift shopping till the last minute and end up over-doing it and spending way more than I’d like. And I always wonder…does anyone even remember what he or she was given the year before? A lot of the time it just tends to be timely “stuff” and fades into the background of our lives.

Perhaps we won’t go so far as to “buy nothing”, but what could we do this year to make the season that much more special? What could we do to BE more the season, than BUY more this season?

What does the holiday season mean to you? What is the concept of giving and receiving all about? Where did your family gift giving traditions start? Might it be time to reflect on what those traditions really mean today?
Let’s all take some time to ponder on what’s most important this holiday season and re-evaluate where necessary.

Change takes time. Maybe this year we just open the door to dialogue with our family about what we’d like to create for the holiday season. Perhaps other family members are feeling a bit “strapped” or apprehensive about the usual family “gift exchange”. If your old traditions aren’t working for you, what would it take to change them?

Not scroogin, just curious,
Kam