Do you think Christmas is an overrated holiday?

Question

The stress of it all, trying to do everything at once, do the Christmas baking, decorating the house, tripping over the kids in the process. All the Christmas shopping in which people are trying to get the hottest toys and items of the season, and practically killing each other over items between $10 and $20. Then you having children creating psychodramas in the toy store screaming, "I want this and this and that, too."

And here's a sitaution: Because you can't afford to shop this season (either you're broke or you have to budget for a new place,) you've decided you're going to MAKE gifts for people (burning CD's, drawing and framing a picture, making a calendar for the upcoming year.) Then, when you give the gift, the receiver not only doesn't like it, but also gives you a lecture about what if people don't like calendars, CD's, pictures, etc. then tells you it's vital to find out what the person likes, and to BUY it for them! Um, isn't it the THOUGHT that counts?

The above isn't a rant, in case you're thinking of reporting (LOL) but you really have to wonder sometimes if all the stress is worth it.

Answer 1

Yes it is. For many reasons. Gifts people want now adays are basically out of reach (financially). And there are people who are out of work (like myself) and can't get the things people want. It is supposed to go by the saying "It;s the thoughts that count", but people don't go by that anymore, and now people ask, "what did you get me"? Since we are heading into recession, the high technology companies are inventing these "latest craze" items that people must have, they don't realize that a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet, and these companies that sell plasma TVs, iPhone's, Wii's, iPods, laptops, etc. don't care about that because they are looking to make the all mighty dollar. That's just my thought. Thank you. BTW, I purchased gifts for 13 people and had a budget of $25.

Answer 2

When I was a kid, I loved Christmas. Now that I'm an adult, I HATE the holiday. I mean, it's enjoyable to watch the reactions of children, but adults...oh man...I can't handle it. You're right, alot of people don't like homemade gifts. And like you said, isn't it supposed to be the thought that counts?? I work all year to pay off a credit card bill that I accumulated for Christmas gifts. It's sickening. Oh well, thankfully this year I don't have to worry about that. I just had a baby and I'll be damned if I buy anyone anything this year. If I can't do homemade, then it's not meant to be done.

Answer 3

Christmas is never overrated...I think a more appropriate term though is overexposed.

Everywhere we've been turning since the first of September, we see Christmas displays abound. No sooner than the back-to-school sales come down in the stores than Christmas stuff comes up. Radio stations start playing all-Christmas music right after Thanksgiving. Ironically, stores don't dare say "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending those very few that don't believe in it, yet want to make all the money they can off it.

Answer 4

The holidays (no matter which one) are stressful because people make it that way. Pressure because of family tradition, the need to be one up on someone else, pleasing everyone and "making it better than you had it as a kid make this drama "made for TV."
Don't get me wrong because as a child I enjoyed the holidays and all the excitement and trimmings that went along with it. I wasn't stressed but looking back my parents and grandparents were. But they did it for us (the children) and we have great memories. There was lots of tradition which now has gone to the "side of the road" because many of my relatives are gone. New traditions are being made because there are new extentions of our family (new nuclear families and their children) so as we get older we look back on the memories, the joy and tears of holidays long ago. The only thing that is constant from year to year is the celebration of being together and being thankful for each other. That is the true holiday spirit and a everlasting present that doesn't need to be returned. We need to spend more time with our family and friends and less time discussing what got under the tree.

Answer 5

Yes I know Christmas is stressful because I don't have a lot of money to spend on my kids. I don't want them to be into the materialism of it so we do fun things like make cookies or look at all the lights people have up. We also go for treasure hunts for pine cones and Christmas trees.
I have made gifts in the past like really nice ones and the people really don't appreciate it at all. But hey what can you do. I try not to let what others do and say affect me. And yes it Is the thought that counts.

Answer 6

it appears that most people have forgotten the real purpose of Christmas. if it were not for the birth of Christ there would be no Christmas.

with so many sinners in this world it's hard to believe that there are many people who believe in Jesus Christ.

in our home we have a tradition in which who ever does not attend church to acknowledge the birth of Christ will not receive any gifts. this tradition began when our local news polled several kids of all ages and not one new what Christmas was all about. that's when i realized all children should know the reason. also i did not want my kids to grow up to be ungrateful people.


Merry Christmas,

Answer 7

I agree that some people have taken this holiday to the EXTREME and extremes are NOT HEALTHY. For the receiver who complains about the gift you've made with love?? To h e double hockey sticks with em!!!!!!!! Use your energy where it will be better appreciated. Finally, we are only responsible for getting the gift WE think another will like (unless they TELL us what they want ) Whether they like it or not is up to THEM. Finally, corporate America has some responsibility in the greed we see today. Gotta make a profit so the CEO's can get the 68 million dollar bonus..

Answer 8

The Birth of Christ and just being with family are NOT overrated.

Over giving, not meeting the expectations of the world, finance problems, suicide because of the stress and on and on.

I have really backed off celebrating Christmas except for the religious aspects.

Answer 9

its not over rated but it is celebrated for the wrong reasons. we have turned it into a celebration for what we can get instead of what the actual reason is....which is the birth of jesus.....we shouldnt get presents and gifts.....we should give to the people that need and be praising god for what we do have.but instead we want more and more and more....but guess what,one day we stop getting then what?? why not give a present to someone you dont even know and watch their face....dont ask for anything in return either....pay it fwd you could say....two presents you get for christmas.....give them away....see how you feel then.......oh and about decorating the house and all that stuff.....who cares......
do you have to out do the neighbors really???guess what.....just means more work for you after christmas and for what??

Answer 10

it rather is all commercialism. Many households are decrease than rigidity to purchase costly toys for his or her little ones, human beings go into debt, human beings already in debt from credit taking part in cards go into extra debt. Lonely those with nowhere to head are much extra lonely via fact they understand everybody else is spending time with their households. it rather isn't any longer a satisfied time of year for each individual, and a great style of human beings do no longer even understand the whole thought in the back of it rather is the smart adult men bringing presents to Jesus.