Buy Nothing Day began in Vancouver, BC, in 1992 when a group of people decided to openly challenge the culture of consumerism.
Within a few years it moved to the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Also known as Black Friday, it is one of the ten busiest shopping days of the year. Economic forecasts for the coming year are often conjectured from the shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, beginning with Black Friday.
Buy Nothing Day is now observed in 65 nations around the world by people of every religious persuasion, those of no particular religion and everywhere in between. The common commitment is to openly challenge the pervasive culture of consumerism that is degrading the environment and creating bigger gaps between the rich and the poor.
Participating in Buy Nothing Day is a concrete action that stands against the economic machine that kicks into high gear in the season known as “The Holidays.” It is a powerful reminder that can help anchor the rest of the season.
Jesus was born into a peasant family in a time when crushing poverty was the lot of most people. His message of release, justice and peace touched people at their deepest level of need. As people who celebrate the in-breaking of the kin-dom in the world, focusing our giving on those in need, and shunning mindless consumerism is a subtle but powerful witness to the true meaning of this season.
This year why not discover the surprising joy of buying absolutely nothing on Black Friday?
The Irreverent Reverend 