Civic Culture & The Holidays
To say that the excess of consumer culture comes to the fore in the U.S. during the holidays is a vast understatement. Last year, a Walmart worker was crushed to death by holiday shoppers rushing to get into the store. Such things strengthen my resolve to transform the holidays from a manifestation of consumer culture to one of civic culture.
How can this be done? I don't know the full answer, but I had a small success in my giving circle by starting a donation exchange five years ago. Instead of exchanging gifts, we exchange donations to our favorite causes.
My initial motivation was to get out of holiday shopping. However, the donation exchange became a meaningful way to connect with family and the world as a citizen, which you can read about here:
http://bit.ly/5vYHEQ
The story also includes tips for throwing a donation exchange and an e-mail template to get the process started with your giving circle.
I hope you give it a try.
Note: Thumbnail courtesy of H is for Home, http://bit.ly/4Ew5AW
I like this posting!
