Avoiding Consumerism in a World That Wants You to Buy, Buy, Buy

The last couple of weeks a realization has hit me… when I don’t go into stores, I want for little (this goes for wanting to buy things for my children). Our lives are full, we all have what we need and more. As Christmas approaches I have ventured out into the stores on a few occasions and BAM! “Oh, the kids would like this and that… isn’t that pretty… this would look great on the table…”

Commercials seem to have this effect on my kids, when they get to watch television they suddenly want EVERYTHING. There is nothing I see advertised that I then think, “oh, I want that”. For me, its a touch and feel kind of thing, which is why I also don’t do much online shopping.

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Get me into the mall and my head starts spinning. Suddenly all the soft fabrics, shiny boxes and brightly colored toys grab my attention. It becomes an internal fight to NOT buy.

I know I am not alone here, so my advice to you is to stay out of the stores. It’s hard to stick with a handmade holidays pledge if you browse the aisle at Target or meander through a shopping mall. Stay home. If you feel the need to shop, hit a second hand store or a small crafty shop.

Better yet refill your coffee mug, sit back and breathe. That’s so much better than fighting the madness at the mall.

Photo from Dreamstime under RF-LL terms.

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