You can find them on both the conservative and the liberal side of the political fence - people who insist that the holiday season is a perfect time for Americans to let their political voices be heard. Indeed, the fact that this time of year is referred to by some as a "holiday" season is one of the issues attracting attention.

The American Family Association has called on Christians across the country to boycott stores that avoid using the word "Christmas" in their advertising. The word "holiday" has been adopted by many businesses, since not everyone in the United States is Christian. But Randy Sharp, of the American Family Association, says it is disingenuous for retailers to pretend that Christmas is not the reason so many people are in their stores.

But conservatives are not the only ones expressing an opinion with their pocketbooks. Liberals, too, are calling on people to - as they say - "shop with a conscience." The website buyblue.org, for example, tells visitors about the political campaigns that various corporations have contributed to, and advocates that people buy only from companies that donate to Democratic - or "blue" - candidates and causes.

http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2005-12-21-voa26.cfm