Buy Nothing (or buy local!)

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving holiday was safe, fun, and filling, and that you're all avoiding the malls on today, Black Friday.

It's also officially Buy Nothing Day, a "holiday" of sorts started by those crazy culture jammers as a way to remind people that there's more to the season than the consumption of mass quantities.

If you simply cannot restrain yourself from purchasing something today, though, consider keeping it local. Heck, if you live in the Madison area, you have very little excuse not to. There are several "buy local" craft and gift fairs coming up, should you prefer a one-stop shopping experience.

Isthmus Daily Page has a good run-down of three upcoming fairs:

• Christmas Craftacular at the High Noon Saloon, Nov. 24-25
• Holiday Fair Trade Fair, also at the High Noon Saloon, Dec. 1
• Fair Trade Holiday Festival at the MATC downtown campus, Dec. 1

Or, if you prefer to do your local shopping on your own terms, check out the list of "buy local" businesses in the area at www.danebuylocal.com.

Or, instead of shopping, head outside to enjoy the sunny (if chilly) weather or hit up the Annex tonight for the My Life With Thrill Kill Kult show. Nothing says "holiday spirit" like industrial disco music!