The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States, as it marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season-- for most. But a growing movement observes Buy Nothing Day on that day, which in 2004 fell on November 26th. Adbusters has created JammerGroups, which can connect people with other activists in their areas. The lists are intended to be used to strategize, organize, and take action. If the new lists are successful, they will be used year-round in other campaigns. In an annual Buy Nothing protest, human sheep took to the streets in Union Square. Interview with Sheep

Buy Nothing-Related Posts to Indybay Over the Years:
2004: 1 | 2 | "Free" Starbucks Drink | "Free" Gap Gift | Sheep Street Theater
2003: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2002: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
2001: Summary | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
2000: Summary | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

The Christmas Resistance website says, "Together, we boycott Christmas Shopping, Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, and every variety of Christmas Crap. We refuse to support the Holiday Industry. We show our love for friends and family by giving our time and care, not by purchasing consumer goods. We maintain the integrity of giving by giving spontaneously and from our hearts, rather than during a specified season."

Sometimes, in the East Bay after Christmas, there is a Tree Revolt: "The trees which are used in this necrophiliac ritual of bloodletting and waste are thrown to the curb; 'bring out your dead!' But the curb, my friends, is but one hop away from the streets."

Other ideas: Some are working for a New American Dream, in which people "live consciously, buy wisely, and make a difference." For those who must buy gifts, there are alternatives such as Global Exchange's Fair Trade Store, the KPFA Crafts and Music Fair on December 11th and 12th, 2004, supporting a worker-owned business, or giving the gift of a subscription to Fault Lines.

Overcoming Consumerism | Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping | Adbusters