*Stuff*
I have been thinking about *stuff* today, actually I've been thinking about *stuff* for some time. I mean I seem to be on a constant collision course with *stuff* - tidying it, organising it, de-cluttering it, recycling it, getting depressed about it and wondering just how we manage to accumulate it. I don't even buy that much, aside from books so I'm really not a big offender in the shopaholic consumer field.
This year I have donated bags and boxes of *stuff* to charity in an attempt to downsize and de-clutter, but right now I am facing the prospect of the post Christmas trauma - the day when, after all the relatives have gone, I have to begin the assimilation of all the new *stuff* into our lives and home.
Don't get me wrong, I like surprises and presents - but why is it that every year I am inundated with messages asking me for a Christmas list, or asking me to tell people what to buy for Himself? I mean I do agree that it's better to get something that I want or need, but doesn't the magic tarnish a little when it seems to be all about *stuff* and consumerism? That drive to go out and buy even when it seems the shopper doesn't actually know what the person they are buying for might like...
My favourite part is really having our closest family and the dog stuffed into out lounge laughing and talking, the accumulation of *stuff* is falling further down the list of priorities - gosh maybe I am growing up?!?!?! *pauses to consider this disturbing fact*
Nah, I'm not growing up - I think it has to do with the fact that *stuff* is the problem that needs to be tackled if we are in any way committed to preserving our natural world. I watched a wee cartoon today with Annie Leonard called The Story of Stuff and it made me think about how we have become programmed to consume, and even those of us with green outlooks can still be hooked into the *stuff* cycle.
I'm actually thinking about telling everyone not to buy me anything at all.
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Tags: clutter, cool internet
Posted on December 7, 2007 in Environment, Sustainable Living.
Ah, stuff. I’ve started divesting too. Alas, the holiday season is a time for me to get more stuff for my loved ones. One Christmas right before I left then husband, I bought 3 small gifts for each child (let’s see, 26 years ago to be precise), and I’m still making up for it. Including grandson who wasn’t even thought of then.
haven’t been over to visit in a long while…hope all is going well. One of the wolf women contacted me out of the blue and then I connected her with your group and we realized we had you in common (and no I don’t remember her name) and I had a lovely revisit to the website.
Hope all is well!
that’s just so true !!! i feel the same…we do accumulate so many useless things…I remember watching the program “The life laundry ” on channel 4…that was very very interesting…trying to understand why we keep rubbish sometimes…Once a year I tidy my room as if I was going to move…very useful…but the following year I still have much to throw away !!!
now, thanks for visiting me, that was so nice to see you…how are you and Allan now that he wears the clothes you hang and dry during full moon nights ?
running around Edinburgh castle at night ???????????????????????????
see you darling…
all the best…
Ask them to donate to the save the lemon tree fund instead..?
Just an idea!
By the way the Flying martinis have their Christmas bash on the 29th- would over to see you and Alan if you’re around. No stuff required!
Sorry- I meant to say, “Would love to see you and Alan”
I am only on my first glass…
Tammy ~ I haven’t been to see you in a while either, but I am back in the blogosphere for the moment and it’s always wonderful to “see” you
those Wolf Women get everywhere!
Mousie ~ I am going through my house as if I am going to move (and hopefully that will appear on the cards!) but I’m sure the pixies multiply the stuff overnight. pssst I don’t think Himself and I *need* full moon clothes
MisssyM ~ I’ve already donated
We would love to join you but Allan is working that day and the next day 
but I promise to let you know next time we are up to the Deen – cept it has to be more than one glass!