[Raptor235]

Several years ago I picked up a lovely little book at the bookstore entitled "The $100 Christmas." This little book by Bill McKibben and his website about the New American Dream helped me to re-think what it means to give at Christmastime. Whether you celebrate Christmas or one of the other end-of-year holidays thinking about setting a budget of $100 is a great idea.

Basically, the idea is that the consumerism of the holiday season contributes in a very big way to our word's declining ecosystem and growing class-isim. From packaging to wrapping to travel... you get the idea. An average holiday bill can easily add up to over $3000 dollars for a family. You can find the entire article here http://aboutmyplanet.com/environment/100-holiday

[horselover]

My budget this year is $0.

There will be no Christmas.

[tater03]

This is a great idea. I agree that Christmas has become so comercialized. I can say honestly we have cut back this year do to financial reasons and I actually am loving the idea of not spending so much money. That and the boys and I are making quite a few gifts ourselves this year.

[peachy]

Yeah, there is no reason to go into debt. And obviously for green reasons. But really, whatever happened to enjoying each other's company, visiting, and just having some nibbles? That's way more fun.