We should just rename Christmas to Consumerism. Seriously, I haven't seen a single freaking ad or article about the "spirit" of Christmas, or the reason of Christmas to be celebrated (which, for those who have forgotten, is the birth of Jesus Christ). I've decided to rename is Consumerism, yep, Consumerism occurs on December 25th, and it's a federal holiday, so I get the day off from work. Yipee!
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE getting presents. I love not having to spend that money on myself. But, let's face it, I'm pretty self-indulgent in my life, and therefore, MOST things I absolutely must have in my life, I buy it for myself. Therefore, when it comes to Consumerism (aka Christmas) I don't have anything for my "wish list". So, I usually end up getting generic items (which I absolutely love, don't get me wrong, but, they aren't necessities).
Also, i LOVE giving presents. I love walking into a store and seeing the perfect gift for someone special in my life. Usually it's something they've mentioned only in passing (i.e. "I would love to be able to listen to my ipod all the time"...which ended in me buying Krissy (with mom and Bob) an ipod docking radio). However, most Conumerisms (aka Christmases), I swear off buying presents...because a) I don't have much money to spend on what I really want to get people, and b) I just want to share the holidays with my family...with all the fighting, crying, and hugs that entails.
Every year I struggle with Consumerism (aka Christmas). I struggle with what to get everyone on my list. I struggle with whether I should just say screw it, and not give presents at all. I struggle with the gifts I do pick not being enough, or being too much. I struggle with the fact that I'm so concerned about what I"m getting everyone else...I rarely have enough money to buy my wonderful husband a gift. It's a constant struggle, and I'm just so tired of it.
I know I'll say "No, I'm not doing presents this year", and than December 20th I'll be out shopping last minute for everyone...regretting every single dollar I spend. I know when it comes down to it, I'll be happy I spent that money, and find joy in others joys of what I purchased for them. But...no matter how happy giving and getting gifts makes me...I still have that little bit of me that wishes Consumerism (aka Christmas) could be what it should be about.
It should be about Family spending time together...eating, drinking, being merry. It should be about helping each other pick up the pieces of their lives, and donating our time in helping others. It should be about love, and respecting each other. That's what it should be.
But, alas...I must run off and start purchasing the gifts I love giving...but always hope that someday, it's not about the gifts anymore, but about the Love.
2 comments:
Geez, you know how to take the wind of my sails for Consumerism. I was just about ready to type you out my wish list for Consumerism. Dag nab it any ways. Ho hum. I agree. I think a lot of people agree. But the thing is, for as much as we all agree, how many names have we all taken from the Christmas trees to help out with? Or families have we adopted? Or time we've donated? I think that is some of the best things to do around Consumerism. Helps keep us in the giving spirit and help those less fortunate. Unfortunately, I've become one of the financially 'unfortunate' ones this year so won't be doing as much as I am talking. What do you expect...I am still me!! =)
oh and PS...you should change your picture cause it makes me look silly!
I'm fine with people taking names off trees and whatnot. I'd prefer to spend my money that way. Unfortunately, I don't always have enough to do that in addition to consumerism presents. But, like I said, I still like giving gifts, I just don't like the ulcers I get from stressing about money, and whether or not they will like it or not.
Post a Comment