Nicola Patrick: Countering the wave of consumerism

Don't shoot the messenger but it's one month until Christmas.

Ugh, I know. Since becoming a parent, Christmas is much more of a mixed bag.

I remember my excitement as a child. I was always a big fan. We'd almost always be in New Plymouth at my grandparent's, usually staying in the awning of their caravan down at Fitzroy Beach.

We'd have what seemed like a huge pile of presents under the tree (one of those scrawny fake ones) and we'd drive the main street of New Plymouth, extended family crammed into a couple of cars, to check out the Christmas lights.

Now I'm the parent, managing expectations of two often-spoilt boys. It's a juggle because the feeling when I see their genuine appreciation at a thoughtful gift is hard to gloss over.

But the consumerism of Christmas seems to be growing stronger and stronger. It's hard to counter if it means hurting your children's expectations. How to juggle these seemingly conflicted demands?

I think the answer lies in this quote from Anna Lappe, which I've shared before: "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want."

My first thought when spending money is to buy locally - buy in Whanganui. Think twice before jumping in the car and heading to Palmy for a day's shopping. Don't tell my kids, but they are getting some cool toys from www.paua.ac.nz. Yes, educational toys, but not in a way that they'll notice.

For the adults in your life, don't go past original creative works from places like Space Gallery on Taupo Quay - pencil December 16 in your diary for last-minute shopping at their amazing Christmas night market.

While I might not be doing this myself, I am happy to receive homemade gifts - for anyone reading this, old school chocolate fudge (preferably the original Edmonds cook book recipe) is welcome any time of the year.

But if you're a bit like me and not hitting the kitchen this year, there are "homemade" gifts galore at our river traders' market every Saturday morning.

Another way to go is to download The Good Gift Guide - New Zealand's first guide to buying gifts from social enterprises. Produced by my former workmates at Akina Foundation plus NZ Post, 15 Kiwi enterprises making a difference are profiled.

I can personally vouch for www.ethiquebeauty.com - they produce plastic-free hair and skin products in solid bar form and they work. I'm using their shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser and deodorant - practical, long-lasting and smell great. Plus Ethique is certified climate-neutral, cruelty-free, and is a living wage employer.

Favourite gifts of the past include a goat, village toilet or schoolbook package. The Smiles catalogue of www.worldvision.org.nz is a good way to go and you receive a gorgeous NZ designer Christmas card to share.

A more extreme way to manage the fear of rising rampant consumerism is to ask your family and friends to donate to a favourite charity in your name instead of facing the risk of an ugly wallet you don't need or some weird kitchen device that ends up in the back of the cupboard.

Clever friends of mine have set up a website where you can donate your Christmas with no hassle at all - check out www.thegoodregistry.com

Finally, if you can afford to donate some spare cash, think of those who don't have the blessing of deciding how to spend their money this year because they're going without. A donation to one of the hard-working Whanganui charities will share a little Christmas joy with those who will truly appreciate it.

■Nicola Patrick is a Horizons regional councillor, works for Te Kaahui o Rauru and is exploring a social enterprise hub for Whanganui. A mother of two boys, she has a science degree and is a Green Party member.