The holidays epitomize America's shameless obsession with stuff — and getting more of it.

Bah, humbug.

Hold on, Scrooge — some companies are getting in touch with their social conscience this season, donating portions of their proceeds to charity and supporting artisans across the world. That means you can shop and help save the world, all at the same time.

Several national retailers, including Gap, Converse, Giorgio Armani and Apple, are participating in a program called (Product) Red with U2 singer and activist Bono to raise money for the Global Fund, which helps African women and children with HIV and AIDS. Program organizers say they have raised enough money to provide a year's worth of school supplies and meals for more than 35,000 children orphaned by AIDS.

In Washington, the World Bank's International Finance Corp. unit has opened Pangea Artisan Market & Cafe in its office at Pennsylvania Avenue and 21st Street NW. The store sells crafts from developing countries to help promote socially responsible trade. It carries sweaters knitted by rural women in Uruguay and silk tote bags made by Cambodian women who once were sexually abused or exploited.

You can even keep your morals intact when heading to a holiday potluck. Just bring a brandy fruitcake made by Trappist monks at Holy Cross Abbey in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The fruitcakes are available on the monastery Web site at www.hcava.org, along with creamed clover honey and truffles.

Still feeling grumpy? Make a donation to charity in a friend's name. After all, it is always better to give than to receive.

Pros: You stay true to the real spirit of the holidays — and to yourself.

Cons: We can't think of one without sounding cynical.

Things to consider: You may want to write a note with your gift explaining its origin and meaning. It could spark some altruism in the receiver as well.