What Would Jesus Buy?
That's the question posed by this documentary of the same name.
I like Christmas. Not for religious reasons, but because it's the time of year that everyone seems to be nice to their fellow human beings just because. I really love giving presents and I also enjoy getting them. Sure, presents are nice, but who really needs that 3rd DVD player, the $35,000.00 dragon topiary, or that expensive gizmo that's just going to sit in the garage? The greed in the air can get quite breathtaking. The load of commercial consumerist crap seems to grow larger and larger every year, but I try to tune that out and enjoy the carols, the lights, and most of all, the food.
I saw stores putting out Christmas decorations and other holiday swag for sale in September this year. (Or was it August?!) There are already countless reports of how our economy desperately depends on holiday sales. Wow, there's unnecessary pressure for ya. I also know that I won't have any more money the month of December than I did in November, so I won't be cruising on guilt, economic or otherwise, and rushing out to buy gifts for everyone.
In fact, I plan on making gifts this year for people instead of buying them. Here's an idea: let's see if I can't have a gift for everyone I need/want to give one to and not spend over $100.00 USD. As in, $100.00 for all the gifts I'm giving this season, not each one. This means I'll make almost everything, or be creative with store-bought things.
Oh! The challenge is on, people! Let's make this Christmas The $100 Christmas. You can't spend more than $100 on holiday gifts on or before Dec 25th. That includes every trinket you buy for coworkers, the present you'll give your mom, the gift for your little nephew, etc. Also, you can offer services or barter for gifts, and buy secondhand to save something from the landfill. Join me! Don't go into debt this year! Feel good about sharing and caring. Avoid the mall! Figure out the meaning of truly giving to someone else, as in, sacrifice a little. It's worth it to see the smile on the recipient's face and still feel the jangle of change in your pocket.
7 comments:
Regarding the documentary, I dig the use of the Disney World font!
I'll start you off on the right foot. All I want from you this year is a trip with me to the bar. No gifts!
D: Awesome! I vote Scholz's.
MLV: I, too, dug the ironic font. I had heard of Rev Billy before and found him quite obnoxious. He's still apparently obnoxious, but the film looks intriguing. Let me know what you think if you see it, eh?
Rock on.
I'm looking for some good ideas for gift giving on a volunteer's salary (i.e. nothing?)...okay, not really, but I think everyone's getting cookies.
On that note, just your love from afar is all I require to function...no gifts necessary.
Hey, I saw What Would Jesus Buy? during SXSW. It is fabulous! The Church of Stop Shopping was present at the theater and sang. I can't say enough about this film. See it! You will be inspired. Reverend Billy is awesome. It may have been my favorite film during SXSW.
I love your challenge. We kind of gave up Christmas consumerism a few years back. I lost the spirit. I hope to have spirit this year but still not spend a lot.
That's the key --- don't give up the spirit. Life becomes very difficult if you succumb to the pressure of everyone and everything around you telling you to spend Spend SPEND from August to December every year.
Don't get me wrong, I love all the trappings of the holiday season and I love giving gifts; I hate feeling pressured. I am trying to make every day more meaningful, not just one day a year.
um, i like the dragon thingie. well, i like the dragon. i am not so sure about topiary.....
s
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