Are you addicted, conflicted, hypnotized and CONSUMERIZED by the demon monoculture of materialism?

PRAISE the Lord and put away your credit cards, people! The Reverend Billy Talen-head of the Church of Life After Shopping--is here to SAVE you from path to eternal debt!

Seriously. The Rev. Billy and his partner Savitri D, co-director of the Life After Shopping church and gospel choir, are on the road this month promoting their new documentary, "What Would Jesus Buy?", produced by Morgan Spurlock (who chowed his way to fame in "Supersize Me").

They took time from their soul-saving schedule to enlighten DailyWorth about their mission.

What exactly is the Shopocalypse?
It's the nightmare of total commercialization, when everything around you—all the objects, your personal life, the weather—they've all been monetized, everything is an occasion for shopping.

This seems like the worst time to preach the anti-shopping gospel.
Christmas symbolizes the beginning of change. You don't have to buy a gift to give a gift. The sheer volume of communication we're getting indicates a massive shift in our culture. People are receptive to the message of stopping shopping as never before.

How can the faithful survive the oncoming Shopocalypse?
Don't believe the hype. News anchors say people are "afraid to shop"—but maybe they prefer not to shop.

Flex your muscles. Pick one thing you can do. Flex your human muscles. Flex your citizen muscles. Remember that real satisfaction in your life comes from somewhere else, not what you get at the mall.

Say, AMEN, sisters!

"What Would Jesus Buy?" is streaming FREE on Snagfilms.com, and you can watch the trailer here: WWJBmovie.com.

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'Tis the season of giving on many fronts—personal and charitable—but in an economy like this one, it's hard to open your wallet. Some ways to let the spirit move you:

• Don't feel pressured to give $100 to public radio or any organization if you can't afford it. "While a small donation might not seem like much, each one absolutely makes a difference, both in the aggregate as well as by themselves" says Marty Lipp of the Harlem Children's Zone. "Even ten dollars can buy two days of breakfast and lunch for one of our charter school students."
  
  
• Not sure where to give? Check out Change.org, GuideStar.org or ChangingThePresent.org and browse their directories of non-profits to see what sparks your passion this holiday season.
  
• Think small. Many charitable groups today help channel small amounts toward a common end, as with Kiva.org (which distributes micro loans) and Heifer.org, which bundles contributions to make a bigger donation to a family or community.

Intrigued? Relieved? Inspired?

• Your money can only go in so many directions, so think like an investor. Create a modest, balanced giving portfolio that includes contributions to local, global and personal causes.
  
• Donate in different ways. Many organizations need your time, goods or abilities more than cash. Sites like WorkInCulture.ca (for Canadians) and Idealist.org (for those in the U.S.) help volunteers find projects that need their skills.
  
• Do two good deeds at once! “Many people are combining their holiday shopping and their charitable giving through programs like OxfamGifts.com," says Marc Ruben, vice president at M+R Strategic Services (www.mrss.com), a consulting firm that specializes in online fundraising for nonprofits. “It’s a great giving option if you’re on a tight budget.”

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Need some inexpensive stocking stuffers for the wee ones in your life?

	My Baby Loves ... Lullabies - $13.99 per album or $.99 per tune on Amazon.com Need a break from "Rock-a-bye Baby"? These twinkly instrumentals of classic Michael Jackson tunes will bring a little nightlife into the nursery. Buy Now
	Construction Cutlery - $20 on FlyingPeas.com Kids will want to dig in with this bulldozer pusher, forklift fork, and front loader spoon. These "tools" have textured, easy-grip handles that allow little hands to hold on tight. Available in classic construction yellow or pink. Buy Now
	Henna Tattoos for Kids - $16.95 on EarthHenna.com A safe, non-toxic way for older kids to enjoy tattoos. This kit comes with all-natural henna and stencils that encourage kids to invent and apply their own cool body designs—and wash them off when they're onto the next thing. Buy Now
	Sparkling Scarves - $9.90 - $14.90 on ShopJustice.com - get 40% off with coupon code 565 Gleaming stripes of silver, gold and sequins make these scarves a fashion standout. A must for the Miley in your life. Buy Now
	Race Car Crayon Set - $4.00 on Etsy.com These handcrafted crayon race cars are actually formed from real Crayola crayons, and their bulky shape makes scribbling fun for small hands. 100% non-toxic and a real bargain. Buy Now

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Holiday tips have become an accepted—and often expected—gesture of appreciation. But how much, to whom, and for what?

We've scoured the holiday tipping guides and consulted with etiquette expert Anna Post, to bring you the following holiday tipsheet.

1. Make a list of people to thank, who have provided a regular service to you this year (cleaning person, handyman, guitar teacher, salonista, babysitter).
2. Decide how. Cash is appropriate for someone you don't know well (doorman); a small gift might be best for those you do. "Consider your relationship to the person," says Post.
3. Let your wallet be your guide. You want to express gratitude—not break the bank. "There are no minimums you have to meet," Post emphasizes.

A few of our favorite tipping specifics, inspired by several websites, personal experience and the always money-friendly, down-to-earth Emily Post Institute:

• If you tip your hair stylist, cleaner or personal trainer regularly, a holiday bonus can be small—15%-20%. If not, consider adding the cost of one session.
• Always ask around. Tipping traditions (and amounts) vary widely across the country.
• If your weekly babysitter adores chocolate, say, splurge on some sweets, plus extra cash (and a card from the family!).
• Price compare. Sometimes a cash tip is cheaper than a gift.
• Beware of giving alcohol and baked goods, unless you're certain of a person's habits and allergies.

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Around the world today, consumers are celebrating Buy Nothing Day as an alternative to Black Friday.

The idea is to put materialism on hold, just for a day, at the very moment when the pressure to spend is most intense.

What is the point, given that most of us want to—and will choose (maybe have to) to buy gifts this season?

It's like hitting the pause button in the middle of a crazy, chaotic Olympic-scale spending event. It creates a sense of space, some breathing room that allows you to think about what's really going on here, what you want for yourself and your money as 2009 winds down.

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Dear Readers,

Your 40+ responses to Amanda's post last week ("Amanda's Money Coma") have inspired us!

Given the interest so many of you showed in Amanda's own dilemma, we think it's time to open the floor. We're planning a series of future dailies based on the real stories of readers' money struggles and triumphs.

There's something schizophrenic about being mired in a colossal downturn, with reports of rising foreclosures, bankruptcy rates and, lately, escalating credit card debt—alternating with the holiday pep rally to S-H-O-P!

While there are many of us who are fortunate to be employed or otherwise on steady financial ground, some of us aren't. This is one holiday season we'll remember as a time when we're not only wrestled with our own concerns, but when we did things differently for other people's financial well-being, too.

So...how are you coping? Whether you tied a rock to your credit cards and tossed them in the river or you've found creative ways to celebrate the season, let us know! We can't wait to hear.

Share by leaving a comment below, either identified or anonymous. If you'd rather email us—send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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