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No one would deny that modern Christmas observances are driven more by market frenzy than by religious devotion. Well, unless your personal religion involves conspicuous consumption and an overweight philanthropic faery.
Every year we must endure the sugar coated hard sell. Manically happy elves hawking everything from candy canes to condoms. Don't you feel guilty that you didn't purchase your loved one a... car? Please!
The only way I survive this evil drive to debt is to buy small, amusing, things that I hope will offer the recipient a brief moment of pleasure.
I believe the true value of gift giving is showing someone you've spent a some time really thinking about them. You've considered their likes and dislikes and given it your best shot. Your choice might suck, but your intent is pure; you sincerely thought about someone for the holidays.
This xmas, more and more desperate merchants are entreating me to give gift cards. Now, I've given the odd book store card. It's not a brilliant gift, but it's an honest attempt to consider the person. I know a few people who really like books and this works for them.
But just throwing gift cards at people is basically giving cash. How much thought goes into this gift? Zero. My not-so-secret Santa at the office party gave cash. He's one of my bosses. I told him he was lame.
Money does not equal gifts. It misses the point. The surprise of unwrapping. The rare instance where someone gives you something you'd never thought of, and enjoy. The instant of joyful discovery, gone.
I should probably mention at this point that I've received a lot of gift cards over the years. This has nothing to do with the people who love me and did their best. I appreciate every single one.
This is about many people who've taken the final step in to mindless money exchange. They've run over the spirit of giving with their SUVs and didn't even feel the thump.
All is not to late. Go to the mall and get a real gift. Fight the throbbing crowds of crazed consumers, of which you now are one. Find something that feels right. And, when you start hoping that those around you die slow and painful deaths; stop. Take a deep breath and... be nice to everyone. Really.
Thank the people who take your money for enduring the madness for you. Smile at the mom who's kids belong in solitary. Hold the door for the poor schmuck who's stuck moving all the boxes himself. Make a complete stranger feel, for a fleeting moment, that they don't want everyone else dead. Keep this up all year and Christmas might actually have meant something.
Happy Xmas
Every year we must endure the sugar coated hard sell. Manically happy elves hawking everything from candy canes to condoms. Don't you feel guilty that you didn't purchase your loved one a... car? Please!
The only way I survive this evil drive to debt is to buy small, amusing, things that I hope will offer the recipient a brief moment of pleasure.
I believe the true value of gift giving is showing someone you've spent a some time really thinking about them. You've considered their likes and dislikes and given it your best shot. Your choice might suck, but your intent is pure; you sincerely thought about someone for the holidays.
This xmas, more and more desperate merchants are entreating me to give gift cards. Now, I've given the odd book store card. It's not a brilliant gift, but it's an honest attempt to consider the person. I know a few people who really like books and this works for them.
But just throwing gift cards at people is basically giving cash. How much thought goes into this gift? Zero. My not-so-secret Santa at the office party gave cash. He's one of my bosses. I told him he was lame.
Money does not equal gifts. It misses the point. The surprise of unwrapping. The rare instance where someone gives you something you'd never thought of, and enjoy. The instant of joyful discovery, gone.
I should probably mention at this point that I've received a lot of gift cards over the years. This has nothing to do with the people who love me and did their best. I appreciate every single one.
This is about many people who've taken the final step in to mindless money exchange. They've run over the spirit of giving with their SUVs and didn't even feel the thump.
All is not to late. Go to the mall and get a real gift. Fight the throbbing crowds of crazed consumers, of which you now are one. Find something that feels right. And, when you start hoping that those around you die slow and painful deaths; stop. Take a deep breath and... be nice to everyone. Really.
Thank the people who take your money for enduring the madness for you. Smile at the mom who's kids belong in solitary. Hold the door for the poor schmuck who's stuck moving all the boxes himself. Make a complete stranger feel, for a fleeting moment, that they don't want everyone else dead. Keep this up all year and Christmas might actually have meant something.
Happy Xmas
