by Robert McLean
Christmas means many things to many people, but it is among
the reasons we gather Beneath the
Wisteria to consider our response to climate change.
There is a certain consumerist fervour about Christmas; a fervour
that erupts as a disconnect between what we need and what we want.
Consumerism, in all its forms, is what has worsened humanity’s
carbon dioxide emissions demanding that each of us has a considered response to
climate change.
Personally, Christmas brings sentiments I enjoy and promotes
values, beyond the insistence that we consume more, that are important to the welfare
and wellbeing of mankind, but beyond that I am offended, or at least my
intelligence is, by the fundamental beliefs upon which this annual event is
founded.
Celebrate Christmas as you choose, be kind to those around
you (that doesn’t necessarily mean showering them with gifts they don’t want or
need, to impress people they don’t know), be kind to yourself and consider our
place on earth, and importantly, take care.
