The Advent Conspiracy

Apparently a lot of Christian people get just as frustrated with the materialism of the holidays as do us cash-strapped secularists. I mean, honestly, do we really need to keep buying each other such huge mountains of stuff? Is that really what the holidays are about?

A new movement called the "Advent Conspiracy" is capitalizing on this feeling by encouraging people to "spend less" and "give more." Not only that but, being a Christian movement, they're also encouraging enthusiasts to "worship fully" and "love all." It's all about getting back to what Christmas is really about (celebrating Jesus) and moving away from what our society has made it about (PlayStation 3).

The idea is to shop with a tighter budget and then give what you would have dished out on your mountain of presents to people around the world who need the help way more than your kid needs an Xbox. Donating to the needy is a great way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Or, if you don't have any cash to spare, you can do other generous things such as taking kids sledding or baking cookies for those you care about.

The original meaning of Christmas is making a comeback. Is it because the deflated economy is making people more conscious of their checkbooks? One would like to think not, but even if that is the motivation for many participants this year, it's nice to think a movement to temper our materialism might just catch on for good.

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