HOLIDAYS:

BUY NOTHING CHRISTMAS:

For a few years running now there has been a group that has organized a 'Buy Nothing Christmas'. Buy Nothing Christmas. Org was originally started as a project of local Mennonites, publishers of the "street Christian' magazine 'Geez', here in Winnipeg who were disturbed by the commercialism and consumerism of the Christmas season today. Their site contains great rants about the consumerism of this season and links to alternatives for those who want to avoid the annual pillage and celebrate a more wholesome holiday season. Last year the group went from mall to mall here in town singing "anti-Christmas carols" calling for a non-consumption Christmas. So far their website hasn't announced their plans for this year, but stay tuned as Molly will report them s they come up. The site gives the words to a number of alternative versions for traditional carols. Go there to see the full list. Here's one from the menu:

God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen:

Slow down ye frantic shoppers for there's something we must say

If you would spare a moment all the stores would go away

Big business has been telling us what Christmas means today.

Now it's time we decided for ourselves, for ourselves

Yes it's time we decided for ourselves.

To some folks Christmas means a time for gathering with friends

And enemies might take it as a time to make amends

But TV says its time for pricey gifts and selfish ends.

Now it's time we decided for ourselves, for ourselves

Yes it's time we decided for ourselves.

Some people feel that Christmas is when Jesus makes a call

For others it's a time to stress good will and peace to all

But advertisers tell us it means that Santa's at the mall.

Now it's time we decided for ourselves, for ourselves

Yes its time we decided for ourselves.