For many, the key to peace on earth is total avoidance of the mall, especially during the Attack of the Killer Commercialistic Hype that the holiday shopping season has become. But even with the economy seemingly in the toilet, many people will still suffer from seasonal temporary insanity (I suspect this is partially brought on by being forced to hear the handbell version of "Little Drummer Boy" for the umpteen millionth time) and come to blows over the last available Wii Fit balance board. Trust me. It. Will. Happen.

It doesn't have to be like this. Sure, it's easy to forget about patronizing local businesses and events, especially when confronted with those shiny, sexy big-box retail ads full of alluring bargains and promises of free puppies with purchase. But skipping the mall in favor of spending your hard-earned dollars locally might just be the key to not feeling quite so cheap and dirty when basking in the post-shopping indulgence afterglow. One way to do this is to support one of the many craft and artisan fairs around the region.

The Metro Justice Alternative Fair has been offering Rochester-area folks the opportunity to "put their money where their heart is" for 27 years running. The fair is a super kid-friendly environment where every member of the family can simultaneously contribute to the greater good while each having their own independent shopping experience picking out gifts from among the hundreds of fair-trade, earth-friendly, or locally produced items for sale. There's even free child care offered for the little ones, entertainment by local musicians, and locally-produced prepared food to grub on when those post-shopping munchies strike.

The auditorium at the First Unitarian Church is transformed into a bazaar like no other, filled with wares ranging from handmade soaps and bath salts to hand-blown glass ornaments, knitted scarves, jewelry, original art, pottery, and much more. The fair's enclosed environment offers kids the freedom to shop on their own while allowing their parents keep an eye on them from afar. Kids get the benefit of surprising their families with thoughtful presents they picked out on their own at a fraction of the cost of going to the mall. The whole family can forego the commercialistic hype of the season while gleaning the benefits of local, community-based shopping - one of the key goals of the fair, according to organizers.

"Everything about this is communicating to people that you can really make the holiday experience local, and I associate 'community' with 'local,'" says Tanya Smolinsky from Metro Justice. "When you're looking at the producer of the goods in the face and talking about them with the item you hold in your hand, you create a relationship with that person. And then you build on that community."

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and this year she chooses to shop in her own back yard.

The Metro Justice Alternative Fair will be held Friday, December 5, 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 6, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 South Winton Road. There is a $4 suggested donation to Metro Justice for ages 12+ (under 12 free), and child care for younger kids is provided for free. The building is handicapped accessible. For more information, call Metro Justice at 325-2560 or visit metrojustice.org.