What will you do this holiday shopping season?

[TicklingDuo]

We're coming up on the "official" start of the holiday shopping season. I was wondering what others think of the fact that things have become so commercialized and crazy. This doesn't even have to take in the religious/spiritual origins of celebrating Christmas. It can even be the simple fact of people being so removed from families, acting like complete morons in the malls...whatever. Of course, it would be nice to see some positive stories here too.

I flat out refuse to go to a store on black friday and hate shopping during that madness refered to as the holiday shopping season. A big part of that is that I don't like crowds. But, I'll deal with a crowd that's not hostile. The vast majority of trips to the mall during this season leave me feeling sorry for people who get so uptight about buying things that they push and shove and swear at others trying to look at things. That's something I don't want any part of. And what's the big deal with having to spend so much money that you end up in debt for a year after?

It doesn't make any sense to me. To me, the season is about celebrating the love of family and friends...not trying to outdo one another with the size/amount/cost of gifts. Are people really so insecure that they have to buy the love of others? Before someone yells at me for saying that, I know that we can also buy as an act of love. That's great. But, the majority of what I've seen over the years points to a sense of obligation/necessity rather than one of love.

SO, what do you think of this season?

Ann

 

[amk714]

I couldn't agree with you more, Ann. For the reasons in your post, and the fact that I'm not religious, I celebrate the Winter Solstice instead. Here's a page that pretty much explains my views on the matter:

http://home.att.net/~resurgence/NoChristmas.html

Happy Winter's Solstice, everyone! 🙂

 

[TicklishPhoebe]

I agree as well. This year, I'm making all my Holiday gifts, so I don't have to go into the stores at all.......

 

[TicklingDuo]

Very well written article, amk. I agree with much of what it says...even though I DO celebrate Christmas. I just don't get into the whole commercial garbage.

Ann