Christmas is coming, as I keep being reminded, and everybody’s thoughts turn to the frenzy of consumerism that is Christmas shopping… groan. My family and I say it every year, but this year we really are not going to buy lots of “stuff”. I am sure this goes against the government’s wishes, as they want us all to spend our way out of the recession, but I refuse to do it any more. It has nothing to do with being a Scrooge, but is basically good sense. We often spend money we may not have on things other people don’t need. I am all for a carefully chosen gift for a loved one, but do not like feeling obliged to fill the coffers of shops with my hard-earned money to do so. I was brought up to make and value home-made gifts and greetings cards. Unfortunately I really don’t have time to make things like I used to, but I know these gifts and cards are so much more appreciated. I am bringing up my son to make things, and hope he will carry on doing this, although I guess one day this will be seen as seriously uncool! Present buying also has an environmental cost, as people receive unwanted gifts, put them in a drawer for years and they either eventually get put in the bin, or given to someone else who doesn’t want them… All of those precious resources and energy to make novelty socks, soap sets, cheap tacky toys that break in five minutes… I realise that I probably sound a bit “bah humbug” but really the idea is to have “present sense”: think before you buy, and maybe suggest to friends and family that you all go out for a meal together instead, or do a “secret Santa” where each person gets one good “big present” instead of ten “stocking filler” sized (and priced) presents. I know which I would prefer…