Now what do you want for Christmas?

[FlyingSquirrel]

We've all heard about the evils of consumerism and commercialism in this country. Christmas is of course the biggest example. My family does a Christmas drawing. When the person who got me asked what I wanted, I had this in mind. I thought to myself, do I really want anything? Do I want to continue to buy into this whole consumerist, commercial Christmas thing? Isn't it maybe time for me to actually stop thinking about changing and start changing?

So I asked the person to donate the amount that he would have spent on my present to his favorite charity or cause. He said he felt a little weird donating to one 'cause he wasn't sure if it would be one that I supported. So I had him donate it to Dennis Kucinich on December 15.

Now here's the fun part. My family often does the Christmas present exchange on a day other than Christmas so that it doesn't conflict with other plans with each others' spouses etc. Our Christmas exchange happened today. Guess what? I didn't feel a single twinge about not getting a present. It felt good. I actually felt free not having to bring some present home and either figuring out what to do with it or putting it away somewhere. I felt like I had broken one of the many chains that the corporations have attached to me. And even though I know Kucinich has no shot, and even though I now support Edwards, I still feel warm and fuzzy knowing that the money went to someone who brought Articles of Impeachment to the floor of the House.

Y'all might wanna try something like that sometime.

[Skittles]

1. you did good

the only gifts I bought were some very nice clothes for a 7 yr old girl in foster care. I absolutely REFUSE to be a part of this year-end nonsense of running around buying gifts for people who don't need them.

[rfranklin]

2. I would like the back of your pickup truck to come true...

Please, please, please Mr. Santa!

[B Calm]

3. I think you got a wonderful present!

[FreeToys]

4. not applicable

I've never fully trusted anyone again
after learning that the whole Santa thing was just a lie

[JTFrog]

6. Kinda creepy link you got goin there.

You sure you haven't missed a right turn somewhere?

[FreeToys]

7. thanks for noticing

Do you have a video that you can recommend?
I will add it to the mix. ykids.com

I am also writing a piece about the clientele at both Democratic and Republican forums.

[JTFrog]

8. No. I don't support any Republican. In fact, I think it's against DU rules. n/t

[FreeToys]

9. ykids has info on candidates from both parties n/t

[JTFrog]

10. All I saw was Ron Paul. And your link "freetoys" is rather misleading.

To each his own if you can I guess.

[Double T]

5. Like your choice of candidates, BOTH of them for the same reasons.

ALSO like your style with contributions to others in lieu of unnecessary materialism for self. Enjoy the Holidays and your feelings of satisfaction and peace of mind.

[FlyingSquirrel]

11. Thanks... forgot to mention

I also didn't have to throw any packaging away to end up in a landfill!

:web: