Commercialized Christmas, What's the Point?

[Novaboy]

I find that more than ever, Christmas is just one big shopping blitz. People buy gifts out of obligation; because we are told we have to at this time of year. Gift cards are more popular than ever. What's the point? If everyone just gives gift cards we might as well just buy ourselves a bunch of gifts and then family and friends can gather together on Christmas morning and show each other what they bought for themselves. I've told my family not to get me anything this year or give to charity. They can't seem to understand that I really mean it. They never know what to get for me and I rarely want what they choose. They seem to feel I will be missing out if I don't get any gifts. I really like the push that is on for people to donate money to charity. "Give someone a goat for Christmas" in a developing country is a much better gift in my opinion than something I don't even like or want. I also don't like the fact that most people over-spend with money they really don't have, again because they feel obligated. I'm not a scrooge, I like Christmas, I prepare the dinner for my entire family I enjoy buying for my nieces and nephews. I just think the gift thing has reached such epic proportions that it's becoming sad reflection of our society. How do others feel?

Novaboy (PS. Happy Holidays To All!)

 

[slate_australis]

I really don't like Christmas full stop.

I've told my family, I'm planning to be out of the country next year.

 

[sjprep06]

You're only complaining because my wallet is bigger than your's :biggrin1:

(kidding :smile

But this is one of the main reasons why I do not like this time of year. The second reason is that there is this pressure to always give someone a gift or else you feel awkward. I started telling everyone years ago to get me stuff I truly need or truly use and I'm more than happy.

 

[Whopper-lee]

How true in many cases...Real meaning of Christmas (as such) is lost & forgotten.
I personally think that people should give this kind of stuff (presents & things) to one another on 'Thanksgiving' ....get it...Thanks Giving. (smile)
But have a good one anyway!

 

[viking1]

Good question. Answer: money...

 

[Novaboy]

Good question. Answer: money...

I realize that that is the reason but I think it's such a shame that so many people buy into it. Pun intended! They interviewed people on the news yesterday that were in a total panic because they had left their shopping to the last minute and now the things they wanted were sold out. One woman was nearly crying because the store had no more pink ipods.

Novaboy

 

[Willy_the_Wonka]

One thing that's irritating (I'm being polite) is hearing about coworkers' kids having a sense of entitlement to "stuff" and expecting PS3's when they only have PS2's, and other such heartwarming stories.

 

[viking1]

I realize that that is the reason but I think it's such a shame that so many people buy into it. Pun intended! They interviewed people on the news yesterday that were in a total panic because they had left their shopping to the last minute and now the things they wanted were sold out. One woman was nearly crying because the store had no more pink ipods.

Novaboy

I don't "buy into it". I don't buy stuff at Christmas, I don't decorate or do anything different. It's just another day for me, as are all days...

 

[bottombuddy]

How true in many cases...Real meaning of Christmas (as such) is lost & forgotten.
I personally think that people should give this kind of stuff (presents & things) to one another on 'Thanksgiving' ....get it...Thanks Giving. (smile)
But have a good one anyway!

but we dont have thanksgiving in the uk.
most retail businesses are struggling in the uk and have been for past 3/4 years so xmas is a godsend especially for smaller shops and family businessess........supermarkets are slowly killing them all off in their greedy desire to rule the world...then when small shops are all gone they will hike their prices up.

 

[Yonkers]

I'm so over Christmas and have been for a few years. I feel it's turned into one big commercialisation. Most stores here in Sydney started putting their Christmas decorations and stock up and out in October.

I only buy presents for immediate family and as I work in Sydney (but live a few hours away by public transport) my motto is that if the present doesn't fit in my backpack and I don't get a discount (or it's not already discounted), then I don't buy it.

As it's Summer down here you can get quite hot and sweaty running from shop to shop, and that's not a good thing (except if you're well built and hot lookin' :tongue.

I'm so over it now. I just want it to end.

Yonkers.

 

[bottombuddy]

As it's Summer down here you can get quite hot and sweaty running from shop to shop, and that's not a good thing (except if you're well built and hot lookin' :tongue.


Yonkers.

it was minus 5 here last night........brrrrrr

 

[SpoiledPrincess]

I like giving and receiving gifts, they're often things you want but are so frivolous you'd feel guilty indulging yourself in. I'm an atheist so the religious side of Christmas doesn't mean anything to me, but it is the one time of the year my very large family are likely to all be in the same place at the same time.

 

[Novaboy]

I like giving and receiving gifts, they're often things you want but are so frivolous you'd feel guilty indulging yourself in. I'm an atheist so the religious side of Christmas doesn't mean anything to me, but it is the one time of the year my very large family are likely to all be in the same place at the same time.

Hi Spoiled, I too have no religious beliefs but do still enjoy the family aspect of the day. I like the lights and the music as it is part of my past, the culture that I am used to. It's the shopping frenzy and the obligation to buy everything under the sun that gets me down. We are such a wasteful and decadent society. I know someone who just paid $500.oo, not to buy her wedding dress, but to have it cleaned!

I spent the week between Christmas and Newyears in Mexico City a few years ago. Although I don't follow the religious aspect of Christmas, it was acutually nice to see that Jesus and the whole nativity story is at the forefront of the celebration. It does make sense that if you are going to celebrate a holiday it should be it's true meaning. Very few decorations featured Santa Claus etc. Of course, that contradicts most of what I've already said??!!

Novaboy

 

[dreamer20]

Gift cards are more popular than ever. "Give someone a goat for Christmas" in a developing country is a much better gift in my opinion than something I don't even like or want. How do others feel?

Keep the goat and send me a gift card.:tongue:


j/k:biggrin1:

 

[james150]

i got my nan a gaot this year. I only buy presents for parents brothers and 2 very close friends.......and if ppl want to get me presents, im not gona stop thm. but i do agree. i didnt feel at all christmassy this year. i was still recovering from last minuet gift shopping.

 

[deleted3782]

I really don't like Christmas full stop.

I've told my family, I'm planning to be out of the country next year.

I told mine the same thing. Where should we meet?