I enjoy family get-togethers, but don't like participating in the religious and "capitalist" part of Christmas, but my family certainly likes to. What should I do?
2006-12-22 17:04:48 · 17 answers · asked by Rachel 410 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
It's a little late for that now. They have already bought their presents by now--and you obviously haven't, so you better get on it and do something.
If you don't want to be "capitalist," make a donation in their name. My mother gave my husband me and shares in a goat through Heifer International http://www.heifer.org because I didn't need or want anything, and I was very pleased to get this. If you're concerned about gifts because you don't have a lot of money, they don't have to know the donation amount.
2006-12-22 17:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by EQ 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sure you can play the Scrooge, by telling your family that you want to drop out of the Capitalist system, But that will ruin there pleasure in buying something for you.
Remember when you do buy a gift, someone, is working to get that to you. All the people in the store, the truck drivers that deliver it too the store, the plane that brought it to your city etc.
Many people have jobs, because we all splurge on gifts this time of year.
Your own job, assuming you are working, can depend on those people who are working. So help spread the cheer and paychecks around. It's not just you, millions of people depend on those paychecks.
So enjoy the season, even if it is a bit commercial now, and has been for years. Tis the season to give and receive. If you don't wish to receive, pick a favorite charity, and have your family send the money to them.
But that shouldn't stop you from buying them gifts, this is your family after all, and those that you love.
So lighten up and and enjoy the joy of Christmas, believe me, you will be all the happier for it.
2006-12-22 17:13:25 · answer #2 · answered by johnb693 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your either greedy or self centered and spent your money on your self or both. Do you live in America. Celebrations are fun. It's no different if you go out with friends that drink of the spirits and you don't indulge. It's all about being with friends.
Your lucky you have a family to be with. A whole lot of people will spend Christmas alone. Try that just once and you'll be damn glad you have some one to share a your life with on special occasions.
Christmas is the season for giving. We adopted the idea of Santa Clause from Germany a hundred or so years ago. It's part of our culture.
Being there doesn't mean you have to take part in the religious part. Maybe you are really looking for a way out completely.
Maybe their not really looking forward to see you at all because of your beliefs. It might be "tit for tat".
2006-12-22 21:20:31 · answer #3 · answered by DeeJay 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain to them your feelings. If your family loves you they should stand behind and support you on your decision weither they agree with it or not. Tell them you are an adult and you have to make certain decisions about your life that are important to you, if you are to be your own person. Also explain to them that just because you aren't going to participate in the religious and gift giving part of the holiday, that you still enjoy spending time with them and your family and plan to continue that part of the tradition. Also explain that you do not expect to be given gifts or invited to the services that others might attend. Unless they are strongly religious I don't see why they would have a problem with this. If they are strongly religious and don't agree, they will have to learn to deal with it. Hope this helps.
2006-12-22 17:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by Danny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree.If some one should recieve gifts, it should be for birthdays, or some special occasion, like graduation, new house, some important step in their life. Or just because you want to get them something. The massive push for capitalism on Christmas really undermines what it is supposed to mean, I think. It's just so blatant, anymore, it's disgusting. Gertting together and celebrating family or freinds is enough. I get a much happier feeling from just suprising a freind or family member with something for "no reason" than from fighting angry, impatient crowds at the last few days before Christmas. A nice potluck at Mom's without any presents is nice.
2006-12-22 17:12:42 · answer #5 · answered by Big hands Big feet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm confused if you don't want to participate in the capitalist or religious part of Christmas, than what exactly are you celebrating?
2006-12-22 17:14:34 · answer #6 · answered by big red 14625 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
don't call attention to yourself by announcing 'i am not giving gifts' and just don't give. if someone asks just explain and leave it at that.
i feel the same way. my family and i do not exchange gifts at Christmas(we buy each other great gifts throughout the year) instead we just focus on the time spent together and help others in need.we do that all year anyway but we can do more during the holidays because the money that would have been spent on gifts for us, we buy for toys for tots, help soldiers' families, donate food, etc.
2006-12-22 17:11:58 · answer #7 · answered by atlas shrugged and so do i 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well giving gifts at any time is not a bad thing. If it is done conservatively and not blown out of proportion. You could always go to eat dinner with them but leave a gift exchange time.
2006-12-22 17:08:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, every year ppl bring up that Jesus man at Christmas time. No presents and no Jesus? That's not Christmas. Maybe you can give some thoughtful but not over the top expensive gifts-- wool socks, candy, key chains, etc.
2006-12-22 17:50:05 · answer #9 · answered by Santa C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could you suggest drawing names for next year? That would seem like a good compromise. Then you would only have to buy a gift for one person.
2006-12-22 17:08:24 · answer #10 · answered by maamu 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋