Alternatives To Big Business Consumer Santa

“No one needs more shit in their life than they already have, and Christmas has turned into one big shit-giving day that leaves rubbish bins filled to the brim, and storage cupboards bursting at the seams.“ 

- Kate Hall

Not everyone participates in the over the top shit-giving of Consumer Christmas. Nor should they - it is ultimately harmful to the very Earth that we celebrate at this time of year. What has turned into a shopping frenzy once was a time that people celebrated the Earth's cycles and mutual support in small, sensible ways.

Some people still do that. Roughly about 10% of Americans do not buy any gifts on Christmas at all. Imagine how much money would be saved, resources conserved, and frayed nerves avoided if you were one of that small group of non-participators looking for alternatives to Consumer Santa's demands for you to buy, buy, buy.

When surveyed, 30% of people said they do not buy gifts for co-workers, and 67% of pet owners said they will not be buying gifts for their critters. 60% of people will also not be buying gifts for the service people in their lives, like hair dressers, cleaners, or baristas.

That does not mean we can't make giving part of our holiday celebration. But there are many ways to give other than running off to the mall, or going on line, to buy a brand new something or another latest doodad for that special person.

We can make them something. Perhaps you are artistic, or would like to be. This might be a good time to start. Take a photo, paint a picture, knit a sweater, or write and perform a song. Creativity, unlike the stock at the big box store, is unlimited.

Or give experiences, like a ticket for a play or concert. Buy two tickets and go with them. Make your own tickets that the recipient can cash in for things like taking a hike with you, sitting and having tea and biscuits, or volunteering at the food bank.

Consumables are always appreciated. Everyone needs food, which will surely be more appreciated than a plastic gag gift.

While not as exciting as the latest plastic toy, practical gifts such as the classic socks and underwear can go a long way toward helping family and friends cope with providing the basics for themselves.

Donating to a charity in the name of others can also be an alternative to gifting people that don't need anything.

I have always thought that buying brand new superfluous gifts just because Big Business Consumer Santa tells us to, is a weird warping of a special moment that initially started as an observation of an important day in the cycle of the seasons.

There is a reason that the Sun was once considered the one and only "God". Let us celebrate what our nearest star gives us each and every day by thanking it for the totality of life on Earth. 

Then, over the coming weeks, let us notice the great relief we experience as the Sun returns, along with its precious heat and energy, without which everything would cease to be.

That is the origin of this special moment in our annual transit around the Sun. We made it through harvest, we will huddle together now till it gets warm again, and with each other, we will carry on and make our next annual trip through space even more special than the last.

I wonder how Big Business Consumer Santa would like that? Would he approve, or is he just the Grinch in a bearded and red and white disguise trying to destroy everything by turning our own greed upon ourselves?