I’ve heard you’re going to get it for me. Sure, I probably want it. In fact, I’m almost certain that my life will be immensely better once I have it. How can I be so sure? Everyone tells me so. The people that made it, the people that packaged I, the people who shipped it, the people that stock it, the people that sell it? every last person has gone to great lengths to let me know how important it is that I have it. It’s new, improved, stronger, safer, better looking, triple-tested, designer-inspired, faster, fully “accesorizable” and cooler than everything before it.

Do I need it? Will it make me a better person? Will it help my community? Will it reduce ignorance and violence? Improve my health? Protect my family? Stop genocide? Cause icebergs to grow and rivers to run clean?

Sorry, Santa. The truth is, no.

Here’s the issue: We are a nation of consumers and the stuff we consume we do not need. I hate to say it, Santa but you’re part of the problem. The amount we consume jumps significantly during the holiday season. You and all of your ?giving’ is the result of millions of people buying. And most of what’s bought does not make the world a better place. If you haven’t watched Annie Leonard’s ?Story of Stuff’ (www.storyofstuff.com) then stop reading and click the link. According to Leonard, the U.S. has 5% of the world’s population, but we use 30% of the world’s resources. Why? Why are we so driven to consume?

Simply put, we are the most marketed-to population in the world. Don’t deny it - I see your ?droll little mouth drawn up like a bow’ in a lot of those ads. Do you even know how many commercial advertisements are we confronted with each day? Consumer Reports Website says about 250. Alf Nucifora, an Atlanta-based marketing consultant, says 600. Texas A&M University Digital Library says a conservative estimate has the average American consumer exposed to more than 850 commercial messages a day. Think that’s a lot? The Union of Concerned Scientists Website contributors Michael Brower, PhD, and Warren Leon, PhD say we’re exposed to 3000 advertisements per day.

What do you think of that, Santa?

Allison Linn, senior writer for MSNBC.com’s business section, wrote on Nov. 23rd, ?As the traditional holiday shopping season kicks off, there are no stand-out toys or electronic gadgets that are expected to spark the frenzy seen in years past, when late-night lines snaked through the streets and parents came to blows trying to get that much-coveted gift for their kids.

Six days and 18,000 advertisements per person later, Wal-Mart employee Jdimytai Damour was trampled to death by frenzied shoppers ? every last one told that they had to have it and had to get it first. And those shoppers bought it, brought it home, wrapped it up and put it under the tree with a note that says, “From Santa.”

So back off, Santa. You try bringing it down my chimney and I will shove it and you right back up.