2007-12-21 10:45:02 · 25 answers · asked by ARLENE H 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
It's no longer a "religious" holiday it's consumerism at it's best. I don't know anyone who actually goes to Mass or their Church. People get really stupid with buying gifts. How about donating all the money to a charity or feed a hungry child. I doubt anyone would do that.
2007-12-21 10:50:20 · answer #1 · answered by MrsMaltz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although your perspective is not uncommon, it is not particularly mature. Any day is what you decide you want to make of it. So buy gifts (big or small) for people you care about deeply. But only if you truly want to and can afford to. Perhaps send cards to others. Still others get no communication from you at all. But whatever you do must come from your heart otherwise it's completely phony and therefore meaningless. The gift is a celebration of your friendship or love for the other person. You have to feel it first.
If you receive nothing at all will you feel depressed? Perhaps they can't afford gifts. Perhaps they donated money to a worthy cause instead. One doesn't give gifts to get love and the absence of gifts doesn't mean one isn't loved or cared for. What if you got a phone call from a friend who wanted you to know how special your friendship was and how much it meant and how her life was so much better because you were a friend. How do you put that in a box?
2007-12-21 11:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by bardmere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas has gotten out of control over the years. The entire spirit of it is almost gone. In Florida (where I am), they started playing Christmas music in the mall/stores the DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN. I'm 49 -- have 2 grown sons and 2 young grandchildren and I can't buy gifts this year --- I was laid off for 3 months up until a couple weeks ago and we were barely making it as it was. If people can't handle that, I am not going to stress myself out over it. We don't have credit cards anymore and to be honest, if I did, I would NOT screw up and use them and pay all year and then some -- and hurt myself more financially. My son is home (he's in the service) and that's ALL that matters -- we decorated but it's going to be ALL ABOUT FAMILY AND LOVE this year and guess what???? EVERYONE IS GOOD WITH THAT!!!
2007-12-21 10:51:17 · answer #3 · answered by butterfliesRfree 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, that's an excuse for people who feel sorry for themselves. If people 'depressed' by holidays weren't so shallow, they'd notice that presents don't make Christmas. Helping out at a shelter or just taking part in fun, low cost activities like skating, playing in the snow are. Who cares if you got left out in a secret santa or something? That means your friends blow, so get some new ones. Don't use Christmas as an excuse to be afraid to be happy and make good friends.
P.S. > It's a myth that suicide rates go up during the holidays. What happens is they are more NOTICED then.
Merry Christmas!
2007-12-21 11:16:26 · answer #4 · answered by Navy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, that is what it has become.
I am a Christian and try to focus on the religious aspect of the holiday, but it is hard for me as a single guy with no family to speak of, and not many close friends to see everyone else running around sharing gifts and talking about Christmas parties and dinners and whatnot. I don't even like holiday specials because it does make me feel down.
I'm not trying to ruin everyone else's party so to speak, but it would be nice if the flagrant cliche party and commercialism was toned down and the roots of the holiday remembered a little bit. Even those who aren't Christian could appreciate a season that is about caring about fellow man more than about who got the most gigs in thier new iPod.
2007-12-21 10:52:36 · answer #5 · answered by Some dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately yes. I've worked on a psychiatric unit for 33 years now and we can always count on a lot of admissions during the holidays because of the pressure and the depression. It really is a shame that something so beautiful can be turned into such a material thing. The only way we can change that is to do something on an individual basis.
2007-12-21 10:49:24 · answer #6 · answered by phlada64 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More people commit suicide during and after the Xmas period than at any other time of the year! Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus it is a pagan festival nicked by the Christians. I completely agree with you. We all run around like headless chickens trying to "live up" to an impossible ideal. I am doing much the same thing. Idiotic is it not?
2007-12-21 10:57:06 · answer #7 · answered by Grumpy Old Man 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree there is pressure to buy the best gift and it really hurts if you are left out.
2007-12-21 12:40:58 · answer #8 · answered by Silver Moon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Xmas has become a disgusting attack of the wallets and purses by the czars of commercialism. Too many people buy gifts to make themselves feel good,,, not the receivers! We are a society that shows tangible objects as meanings of worth and value instead of promoting good-will towards man, the other 364 days a year. and to you, dear, I wish you a VERY Merry Christmas! Make your heart feel good,, and others feel good around you!
2007-12-21 10:52:02 · answer #9 · answered by no_telling2003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Christmas was better when I was a kid. No presents to buy with my own money.
I also hate all the freaking Christmas luncheons that we have to attend AND PAY FOR!
I love Christmas parties at friends houses though.
2007-12-21 10:48:38 · answer #10 · answered by desnlori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋