In anticipation of the season of buying, I've been embracing the spirit of giving and taking the kids along for the ride. They'd been enthusiastic — urging me to feed the poor, help the homeless and support several charities — but they weren't thrilled when I told them I'd been buying fair trade products made from recycled items from an organization that matched every purchase with books and food.

As I described things made from bicycle tires and chains, old newspapers and magazines, seatbelts, candy wrappers and soda can tabs, they heard "trash." They weren't impressed that all my gift purchases to date serve a greater purpose. I'm pretty sure they wanted me to hear them muttering brand names and "Is that all we're getting?"

Apparently, socially conscious isn't socially acceptable as far as they're concerned. I say they can take it up with Santa.