It does, Rose, thanks for bringing that up. I had started this thread partly to get myself *in gear*. I found myself driving around town, totally dismayed at all of the lights, gaudy decorations and blatant use of the season for consumerism, so much so that I sounded like Scrooge. I thought if I could get myself in the mood to make a difference in my own space it might help me cope with what I see. Sounds as though you did the same thing with your screensaver etc.

RANT ON/It has really been getting to me when I go out & people ask if I am ready for Christmas. I alternate between telling them I am Budhhist, Pagan, or Wicca; or yes, that all of my homemade gifts are ready to go. At least those usually stop the converstaion.

For some reason this year the consumerism has really gotten to me. I almost cannot stand to go out past any of the big shops and mall because all I see is a bunch of automatons throwing away their money on cheap, meaningless trinkets, or expensive meaningless baubles, totally buying into all of the adverts and programming of Madison Avenue. It's as though they none of them have a brain or heart. Maybe if I still had young kids in the house I'd feel differently, but even then I see so many parents go overboard, I wonder what in the world ther kids will have to look forward to in the future; is there ever an end to bigger and better? (Hmmm, think I just found my op/ed column for the week.**BG**) /RANT OFF

Naes and Becky, I really do agree with what you expressed and I do practise that. Thanks for putting it so well. Becky, maybe hanging stars and snowflakes would help? I have an aunt who moved there from one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and I have no idea how she copes with the summers, I couldn't. Sorry, that doesn't help much, I know.

Thanks

kat