Yes, it’s true. The Christmas songs are already playing on the radio, decorations are dangling and the bombardment has begun, with one prominent message:

BUY BUY BUY!

This time of year can be one of the most stressful time for many of us. Maybe it’s time to give it a break and rethink the holidays - especially during a trying economy. Why not RESPECT your limited finances and think outside the media box that convinces us that we must buy until we’re literally and metaphorically “maxed out.”

• A friend of mine has vowed to bake all of her holiday presents this year. She makes a mean banana bread and great (okay, decent) oatmeal cookies.

• A colleague of mine is a masseuse. She’s offering 1/2 hour gift certificates to her friends and family.

• Another friend has notified everyone that she’s not receiving or giving presents this year. Instead she is volunteering her time at a local charity.

• I read about one person who is giving out houseplants. She makes decorative holders for them and she figures everyone “needs a little green” in their life.

So before you jump on the “buy it” bandwagon, stop and re-evaluate. Is there a creative way to give this year that doesn’t mean more debt and more “stuff” piled upon this fragile planet?

Take a step back. During a time when wars continue to take lives, our ecosystem is in serious jeopardy and our economy is precarious, you may need to see beyond the marketing scheme and do something spiritually correct this holiday. It’s the way it’s supposed to be anyway, isn’t it?

Holidays do NOT have to be all about the purchase.

What ideas can you share with the world? Send them our way!