wfn.org | Alternatives group rolls out Christmas campaign resources

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 2, 2001 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.     10-21-71BP{441}

NOTE: Art is available for use with this story. 

By United Methodist News Service

The people at Alternatives for Simple Living have a solution if you want to
simplify your Christmas but have friends and relatives who might not
understand.

Try one of their letter-size flyers or post cards that allow you to tell
your friends, in the form of a coupon: "Buy me nothing. I'll still love
you."  

In a bit smaller-size type, the wording continues: "This coupon entitles the
bearer to give love instead of mass-produced gifts. Clip it, copy it, give
it to your loved ones." And if those instructions don't do it, continue
reading the smaller print: "Contrary to peer pressure and advertising,
happiness and meaning in life come through relationships - within ourselves,
with others, with creation and with God - not through stuff."

Since 1973, Alternatives has been "equipping people of faith to challenge
consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly." The organization
stresses simplicity throughout the year and for all holidays, but the
commercialization of Christmas is its major target.

"Our Christmas campaign resources are easy ways to urge others to focus at
Christmas on traditions and relationships instead of stuff," said Gerald
Iversen, national coordinator for Alternatives. "It can be hard sharing
feelings and ideas about simplifying Christmas when friends and family don't
get it." 

In addition to Alternatives' widely read annual booklet for families, "Whose
Birthday Is It, Anyway?" the 2001 campaign kit includes new cards,
stationery for holiday letters and even a bumper sticker. 

The greeting card and matching stationery, "Bearing Gifts Does Not Make Us
Wise," include brief information on alternative giving. The post card and
matching stationery, "Buy Me Nothing. I'll Still Love You," can also be used
for mailings or bulletin boards. 

A sampler of all 10 items is $10, postpaid. It includes a booklet of "Carols
with Justice," "Let's Talk About Christmas" family discussion worksheet,
"The Christmas Game," "Ten Tips for a Simpler, More Meaningful Christmas"
and an Alternative Giving card used to honor people through gifts to
charity. All of the items in the kit are available individually and at
discounted quantity prices. 

Included are seven new reflections on the "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?"
theme by Bill McKibben, a fellow at Harvard University and a widely known
speaker. They are suitable for private or group meditation. McKibben is the
author of several books, including Hundred Dollar Holiday, The End of
Nature, The Age of Missing Information and Long Distance: A Year of Living
Strenuously.

For a free Alternatives catalog, call (712) 274-8875 or (800) 821-6153, send
a fax to (712) 274-1402 or write an e-mail to Alternatives@SimpleLiving.org.
More information is available at www.SimpleLiving.org online.

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United Methodist News Service
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