wfn.org | Try these tips for combating 'affluenza'

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Dec. 2, 2002 News media contact: Tim Tanton7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn. 
10-71B{559}

NOTE: This is a sidebar to UMNS story #557.

By Julie K. Buzbee*

Got a bad case of "affluenza" and you don't know what to do? Here's a
prescription.

7	Give to others whose needs are greater than yours.

7	Limit television.

7	Read old-fashioned Christmas stories aloud with your family.

7	Read the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas eve or at
another time during Advent -- Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:1-12.

7	Stay aware of suffering in the world.

7	Join a church that shares these values.

7	Plan ahead.

7	Learn about the real St. Nicholas.

7	Make a nice dinner and deliver it.

7	Give your spouse a coupon for a massage.

7	Take an elderly friend or relative to lunch.

7	Take a child for a day of in-line skating, sledding, swimming or
visiting the zoo.

7	Avoid debt.

7	Avoid stress.

7	Draw names for Christmas gifts.

7	Give children one thing they really want.

7	Give appropriate gifts and alternative gifts, such as donations to
the United Methodist Committee on Relief, (800) 841-1235.   

7	Give coupon books for things such as your housecleaning or a car oil
change.

7	Celebrate Advent for four weeks with the booklet Whose Birthday Is It
Anyway? from Alternatives for Simple Living.

7	Put the gifts under the tree shortly before opening them. Open one
gift at a time.

7	Make changes slowly but persistently.

7	Make gift-card donations to programs like the Society of St. Andrew
hunger ministry, (800) 333-4597.

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*Buzbee is a journalist residing in St. Joseph, Mo.

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United Methodist News Service
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