Christmas is approaching quickly and you're scrambling to buy the perfect gift(s) for that special someone(s). This year will it be jewelry? Fancy perfumes? A designer sweater? A new appliance? Better yet a new car? Decisions, decisions.

...

Why not give a true expression this year? All of the things you can buy will likely go unappreciated with time so why not make it count? This year I believe everyone should support the Occupy movement and the idea of non-consumerism. This is in fact the only way to satisfy all parties ;-) You get to keep extra poker chips and spend on something more important. Foreign imports and independence will decrease. Government will be shocked by such bravery. The richer will be a little less richer and everyone will learn a valuable lesson: We the people...

On Thanksgiving day, I taught my nieces the meaning of the Occupy movement. They are 9 and 10 and old enough to understand the social injustices of the 99%. Before showing up on Xmas with a homemade gift I had to explain there was a bigger reason behind Titi Lou not coming home with a dozen new toys for them. In the end the girls appreciated me being part of a bigger fight and they too wanted to help. We agreed that no matter what I got them I would not be spending money on getting it but that they would love it. How difficult could it be, right? I make jewelry (sprinkleofglitter.com) so there's an option. I have dozens of unused nail polishes sitting in a box right now. I've just inherited quite a few children's books. I probably have too many stuffed animals as it is. I am great in Photoshop and these kids still love coloring so I smell a coloring book or crossword puzzle book. For the adults I had already purchased some things but they all came from a thrift store. My favorite chain is Unique right now. Great finds!

So, this year, I am giving my wallet a break and sending a message to the higher ups and teaching my family the meaning of being part of something bigger. I encourage you all to do the same. Either way enjoy your Christmas and try to get back to what it's really all about: family.