I’ve lost count of the number of people I know who have declared or are on the brink of declaring that the traditional gift exchange are to become a thing of the past. Some of those who have yet to declare this (but want to) are only holding back because they’re afraid of the family fallout that might ensue. I’m sure the economy has something to do with it, as is the growing sentiment that the holidays have become so commercialized to the point where the only thing that seems to matter are the presents. I have heard feedback that some folks who have declared themselves a ‘present-free family’ with the exception of the children have suffered a bit of backlash from the rest of their families. There are others still who have replaced the act of giving gifts to all local family members with a gift to a charity on the family’s behalf.How about you, readers? Are you still gifting the same as always, or have your traditions changed?
4 comments:
Check out today's Dilbert: http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/2009-12-25/
Touché...
As one who started purgeing gifts a couple of years ago, I belive its helped bring forth what the real meaning of christmas is about. Family and love. Yet rather then feel the pangs of family dissapointment the first year i suggested we write nice things about each other and it warmed our hearts.
Christmas is evolving, and to become more creative we can find something new to add to the traditons which becomes more about the family unit then the gifts which detached us from those we love. A common question i am always asked is "what did you get for christmas?" these days i say "nothing!" but i had great time with the family.
I still think that the youth need santa exposure as well as gifts it keeps the magic of the holiday and be smart with the gifts my mom always got us something we could create with or games to play with each other.
though it will evol last night i watched the nightmare before christmas one of the favs and watched it for meaning, That movie is full of meaning if you look for it.
merry season Karl and darlene
Personally, I do not want material gifts from anyone. If I need or want something, I am capable of getting it myself. I would much rather get some indication of appreciation or acceptance from my loved ones. Make me my favorite breakfast, write me a letter to remind me of happy times we've shared, go for a bike ride or walk with me (even though you don't enjoy it as much as I do), offer to take care of that annoying issue I have with my car tire that's always going flat, go see a good Drama movie with me (even though you only like Comedy and Science Fiction), make a collage of pictures, mementos, words etc, that represent what I mean to you, or PHONE me just to say, "I love you and I've been thinking about you." Those are some the kinds of gifts my heart yearns for.
Nancy
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