Hmmn. I don't know, the consumerism thing is hard to escape. For some people it represents caring, and I'm all about buying something that I see if it's perfect for someone.

I'm totally down with that... if I see something rare or unique that I know someone will appreciate, I'll pick it up for them. I think my problem this year is that I really haven't seen anything like that for anyone. I don't have any gifts in mind, and I'd feel kinda weird to "force" myself to keep shopping until I find something.

The only exception this holiday, as I noted in my post, is that I have some cool gift ideas lined up for them this holiday. I have the tradition of getting them cool games (like Fluxx and Apples to Apples.) I like that because they enjoy the presents, and it's also like I get to share a part of my hobby with them.

The tricky part for me this year is that I'd kinda rather not go crazy buying presents for my friends. In fact, unless people already had something in mind for me, I've been asking people if they don't mind if we skip the whole present thing. I feel like such a Scrooge just asking that! But a few people have been cool with it.

Anyway, mix CDs make excellent presents, especially for certain people *cough cough*... want to trade mix CDs for the holidays? :)