Don’t mean to put a damper on anything celebratory but let’s face it: it’s that time of the year where, out of sheer obligation, we feel the need to compensate for our not being around by giving STUFF. The commercial world knows that only too well. I walk through the aisles of Kmart and see heaps of it. All that STUFF. Stuff that might not even be appreciated by the ones we’re giving it to. Entire warehouses of it. The stuff that costs the earth to make, costs cents to the wallet to expend but tons of pollution in the process and landfills. Landfills filled with that plastic junk, the packaging that comes with it, the wrapping paper and all the ticks off boxes made for so-and-so.

This year, try something new. Try something digital: music, e-games, e-books. Try donations to the numerous causes that desperately need your financial help. Try just spending TIME with the ones you love. Cook a meal or just gather. Whatever it is, just try consuming less STUFF.

Thanks.

And oh.…

…Merry Christmas!