Just another link in the chain, it is Christmas.
Retailers, share holders, talk in terms how well the economy is by how much is spent.
Cars are about to find them selves stuck in stalled traffic as they head north to get away from what they are bringing with them.
Those cars are full of presents and gifts.
Many bought on credit, credit that will harm till paid for.
Its Christmas after all, we tell each other, or Fathers day, Mums once a year day, Easter.
We even talk ,with pride, of retail therapy!
And if we do not buy ugly plastic toys that will fall apart all too soon?
We will all be ruined we are told , by those who put up fuel and rental prices just to further impose on those trapped in the traffic.
Just maybe we are hooked, on a dream that we can make our life better by buying what some times the receiver does not want and the giver can not afford.

Dear Belly,

I've just returned home having attended a lovely
pre - Christmas party in a retirement community
in which my mother lives. We had a delicious buffet
dinner, fantastic desserts, sang Christmas Carols -
it was fun and thoroughly enjoyable.

If someone asks me what makes me happiest, it's
never anything I can quantify - like a possession
(house, car). It's the spirit within people that can
fill me with more joy than anything in the world.

I've looked around this evening at all those wonderful,
strong, faces - each with their own stories and talking
to them, spending time with them - I am always uplifted
by these encounters.

As for Christmas presents - I don't go overboard.
I'm very selective in what I buy - I try to aim for the
"wow" factor, in each case. I do a lot of investigating
before-hand as to what they would like to get - and if
its within my budget, I aim to please. This year - I've bought
the grandchildren gifts, theatre tickets for my husband and
myself, and I'll probably end up giving cash to my sons.
(That's what they asked for). As for my two mothers -
I've bought some clothes that I know they've admired.
Chistmas Eve - is the usual sea-food with the entire
family at our home - which I prepare, as is
Christmas-lunch - the usual fare - for the entire family,
again at our home which I cook.

That's about it.

GDay Belly

Is consumerism an illness?

No but overconsumerism is.

And increasing population growth so that we can increase markets so that we can increase consumption so that we can increase profits for big businesses is most definitely an illness.

This addiction to never-ending expansionism and hence ever-increasing consumption is an enormous illness.

Thanks Lexi and Ludwig good sound responses.
First my Christmas, some may have noted my references to my health this past year.
Got the good news it is not at this stage cancer.
Have contacted mozzie born, excuse the spelling Barma Forest Virus, in the purple blotches and Chronic Fatigue stage, so, I am ok.
Little things are the best things, sitting on my veranda watching a full moon rise over the hill costs nothing.
Consumerism is no problem for some.
But for others it very much is.
We all know of some one always in trouble because of shopping.
How much of that we spend our cash on is from our country, other than importers and retailers who benefits.
Food providers and holiday accommodation providers maybe?
Consuming is a basic need of our system.
But being debt free, able to buy the things you need not think you want is wise.
I want, and will ensure always, my disposable income is disposed with care, thought, understanding.

: Is Consumerism An Illness?......absolutely NOT. Its called the sheep-people syndrome or brain-washing via T.V adds and so on.

Well....it gets me every year:)...So stop worrying about Population and go out and spend like crazy, and buy someone something decent for the people you love or care about, and Next year we all sort out the credit cards:)

Well, the US and all of Europa seem to think its all good and well:)however....Australia does not have this problem, does it?

Anyway, the point is, don't spend too much, or you will have nothing left for the new year 2012:)

So....come on Australia! and buy Australian goods and serves.

This country throws more money away every-day, and lets face it! Australians play pokies, the horses, cars, junk-food, the dogs, and many other ways can cant put here since its not fitting...Kingscross for just a hint:) smokes, beer, seafood, BBQ of all types, marriage, casinos, but not any decent gifts?....why?

(and the cheap over-sea's, rubbish' leave it alone....remember..what you pay for, is what you get)

So come Australia, support your hard working people., remember! Small business needs YOU.....yes that right, you:

Anyone would think this was not the way to fix the economy.

Oh dear:)

Buy Australian, the message its that hard.



CACTUS

Belly, this is a slightly different way of addressing your topic…

It's only two minutes, but I think you'll find Mike Tompkins' "The Chrismas Rush" at YouTube as amazing as all his other songs – totally a Capella!

I've transcribed the lyrics, so you can sing (or beatbox) along with it… my present to you.

(even with slow connection speeds just let it download before playing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiJThIUTvEw