Dateline: Early spring – the North Pole. Santa and his elves have recently returned from well-deserved vacations. He has called the elfecutive council together. “Great job last season everyone! But we can do even better. Before we begin production in the workshop for next season, let’s do our research. I’d like to make the next holiday season the happiest one ever!” So Santa sent the council members to the four corners of the earth to research. (Who knew the earth had corners?)
Upon returning, the elves submitted their reports. Squinchy listed the latest electronic devises. Trimblick demonstrated all the new toys. When it was Mooshie’s turn she stood up. “Santa, I went to Australia to do my research, and I happened to read an article in the Newcastle Herald. Yachtsman Ivan Macfadyen had just completed a trip from Osaka to San Francisco. It was quite sad. The middle of the ocean was full of STUFF. Hundreds of miles from land there was so much floating and partially submerged rubbish that they needed a lookout posted so they wouldn’t run into something and damage their ship! I think some of that stuff we had made in our own workshop!”
Right away, Sklinkin spoke up. “That’s just too weird because look at the book I found. It’s called Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton. After looking at lots of research about money and happiness they conclude that, generally speaking, getting more stuff doesn’t lead people to the greatest happiness. Instead, they say to give gifts of experiences. Experiences that take you out of the routine, that you do with others, and that you have time to savor as you look forward to them bring the greatest happiness. Buying more stuff just doesn’t bring that same level of lasting enjoyment!”
Santa thought about bringing happiness and keeping the earth from drowning in too much stuff. Now the workshop motto is: REDUCE – (Is this purchase really necessary?) REUSE – (Can I get another year’s use out of this?) RECYCLE – (Dispose of items so the material can be reused.) RENT /BORROW (When I don’t have to own my own.) RECREATE (With others.)
Because even though Santa’s sleigh takes him around the world he always returns to his North Pole home. Like us, even Santa is forever…Earthbound.
Upon returning, the elves submitted their reports. Squinchy listed the latest electronic devises. Trimblick demonstrated all the new toys. When it was Mooshie’s turn she stood up. “Santa, I went to Australia to do my research, and I happened to read an article in the Newcastle Herald. Yachtsman Ivan Macfadyen had just completed a trip from Osaka to San Francisco. It was quite sad. The middle of the ocean was full of STUFF. Hundreds of miles from land there was so much floating and partially submerged rubbish that they needed a lookout posted so they wouldn’t run into something and damage their ship! I think some of that stuff we had made in our own workshop!”
Right away, Sklinkin spoke up. “That’s just too weird because look at the book I found. It’s called Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton. After looking at lots of research about money and happiness they conclude that, generally speaking, getting more stuff doesn’t lead people to the greatest happiness. Instead, they say to give gifts of experiences. Experiences that take you out of the routine, that you do with others, and that you have time to savor as you look forward to them bring the greatest happiness. Buying more stuff just doesn’t bring that same level of lasting enjoyment!”
Santa thought about bringing happiness and keeping the earth from drowning in too much stuff. Now the workshop motto is: REDUCE – (Is this purchase really necessary?) REUSE – (Can I get another year’s use out of this?) RECYCLE – (Dispose of items so the material can be reused.) RENT /BORROW (When I don’t have to own my own.) RECREATE (With others.)
Because even though Santa’s sleigh takes him around the world he always returns to his North Pole home. Like us, even Santa is forever…Earthbound.
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