Buy Nothing Christmas
I find the whole Christmas thing a tiresome exercise to endure each year. Can't say I really relate to the often-heard complaints about "stress" at Christmas, because mercifully, I don't have to battle the maddening crowds at the mall each year. Since university days , my family has agreed to NOT buy each other gifts and instead, to just spend the time together. So, although I enjoy the festivities of Christmas, I don't have to participate in its consumer madness!
Adbusters is a grassroots social activist group (actually based here in Vancouver!) that battles against corporate giants and their corruptive nature. (Ironically, they have now gone commercial with their "Spot" sneaker using ethically approved labour to compete with Nike's "Swoosh".) For a few years now, Adbusters has promoted a day each November called "Buy Nothing Day"during which, people are encouraged to buy absolutely nothing and not to engage in consumer activity.
Why don't we have "Buy Nothing Christmas" season? And donate the money we would normally spend on ourselves and our families, to worthwhile charities? This would benefit those truly in need in the "Christmas spirit of giving." Wouldn't that be radical? Why couldn't all Christians (or those who truly follow Christ) do this? Think of all the capital that could be mobilized for God's Kingdom work rather than contributing to this season of excess?
Or, do we worship the Christ child, Santa, gifts and all that sentimentality, rather than truly the Christ King who said to the rich young ruler, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matt. 19:21).
P.S. In lieu of Christmas gifts this year to Janelle, we have asked our families to donate to a worthy charity in her name.
Adbusters is a grassroots social activist group (actually based here in Vancouver!) that battles against corporate giants and their corruptive nature. (Ironically, they have now gone commercial with their "Spot" sneaker using ethically approved labour to compete with Nike's "Swoosh".) For a few years now, Adbusters has promoted a day each November called "Buy Nothing Day"during which, people are encouraged to buy absolutely nothing and not to engage in consumer activity.
Why don't we have "Buy Nothing Christmas" season? And donate the money we would normally spend on ourselves and our families, to worthwhile charities? This would benefit those truly in need in the "Christmas spirit of giving." Wouldn't that be radical? Why couldn't all Christians (or those who truly follow Christ) do this? Think of all the capital that could be mobilized for God's Kingdom work rather than contributing to this season of excess?
Or, do we worship the Christ child, Santa, gifts and all that sentimentality, rather than truly the Christ King who said to the rich young ruler, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matt. 19:21).
P.S. In lieu of Christmas gifts this year to Janelle, we have asked our families to donate to a worthy charity in her name.
