My mother taught me to not go shopping at all on a holiday, not even the grocery store. Her idea was that it wasn’t great to create demand on a day when workers would like to be off. Now I also see it as buy-nothing days: on Thanksgiving it feels grateful to me to work with what I have and not run out at the last minute because no one picked up dried cranberries for the salad.

I’m not a fan of ad-busters, either, but while I’m a true capitalist, I’m not an avid consumer. I feel a bit sickened when I see how much I already own and I try to buy carefully and thoughtfully.

I also find it sad that those who are the most enthusiastic shoppers are those who can least afford it. The fact that so many of our “poor” – those on welfare or working several jobs to make ends meet – own $100+ running shoes and large-screen TVs makes the heart sink.

I will investigate the Buy Nothing Day. And I will continue to frequent libraries, thrift stores and nature as a reminder that I don’t need to buy new stuff to enjoy a great day.