Knowing that not everyone is as creative-capable, it's always good to have option. Just because you can't paint, sew or use a hammer does not mean you can't be part of the solution around the holidays.

It all started early last year when my family came into some common financial issues. Together we decided the most affordable road for the holidays also brought back the soul and meaning.

I started by researching different easy-to-make projects on-line. Scanned through a lot of the ideas at www.etsy.com. Taking into account the different likes and ages.

To launch our new sustainable purchasing co-operative, Common Works, we are selling an "Eco- Gift Basket" for the holiday season.

These baskets are filled with innovative products that are both socially and environmentally responsible.

A show on this weekend that may be of interest to consumers (that's everyone) and musical theatre lovers (okay, not everyone):

The Church of Pointless Consumerism
Friday, December 15 thru Sunday, December 17, 8pm
Cambrian Hall - 215 East 17th Ave. at Main in Vancouver
tickets $10-$15 (sliding scale)

It's being put on by The Work Less Party, who promote the idea that we should "Work Less, Consume Less, Live More", and is described as a "hilarious, satirical, musical theatre extravaganza" and "a christmas pageant that will have viewers on the edge of their pews" (does that sell it to ya?)

"Traveling evangelist, Peter Proffet the Prophet of Profit, along with his gospel choir are fully prepared to storm the city of Vancouver with the good words of Consumerism, Production, and more, more, MORE! The message will stir the congregation of faithful customers, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee of conversion for the *gasp* skeptics among us.

With wild sing-a-long musical numbers, dance routines and faith healing, The Church of Pointless Consumerism comes in a sexy package of enlightening, entertaining, down-home religious rejuvenation."