The sad thing about redeeming Christmas, is you look mean doing it.
I watch people around me buy gifts for, seemingly, everyone they know. But I refuse. I bought a gift for my mother, father, brother & sister. My 2 older sisters don't even get a gift from me b/c we negotiated a 'secret santa' policy and I got my sister's boyfriends name. So 5 gifts. That's all I buy. Others will buy presents for me and I won't be a jerk and refuse them. But I will be a jerk and not reciprocate.
7 comments:
*rant*
Matt, you're the first person I've ever known who has this view towards gifts, and I must say that it's so refreshing to hear someone with the same philosophy as me. Maybe it's just because I'm Jewish, but I feel no obligation to give people presents; if I do it, it's because I think of something they need that I'd like to give just as a gesture that I care and think of them. I think people who give gifts to virtually everyone they know are more materialistic than they'd like to admit. Whatever happened to the days where we'd make stuff as presents, or even do stuff? I remember making my parents several coupon books as a child, why couldn't I do that now? :)
*/rant*
I resonate with your rant. I'm not NOT giving. I am very open (and often do) give people gifts during the year if I find something they need or would really like. But this whole idea of buying a christmas gift for my aunt, cousin, friends, boss, secretary & mail-man is quite absurd.
I'm with you too Matt. I hate the idea of giving simply out of obligation. If we give it should be because we want to and/or care about someone and want to see them smile, not because they gave us something or because they're somewhat related or whatever. Heckyeah.
Hey Matthew, In my family, once you turn 18, you are an adult... and at this point, you are entered into the secret santa world. We each bring a gift at value of 20-25 dollars and we do a trade around, but everyone trys to get stuff for the kids... this year, we have a bunch of adults, and one kid (Christian). I like it, becuase I get once nice gift, and not a bunch of junk that I don't need... and I dont go bancrupt:)
great :)
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone! Good sense can help defeat commercialized christmas.
hey tammy :)
I think you are right. For some people it's just part of their personality to give. And as long as you don't go broke doing it that's ok :)
But I think this should be the exception, not the rule. You're exceptional!
Also of note. One Christmas you got me a book. I just finished it this year :)
Hey Tammy... Your gift of friendship has always been the best... Wrap that up and put a bow on it for me this year, I MISS YOU!
MAtthew, you are so right! TAmmy is exceptional! She needs to be teaching, not flipping hamburgers! Someone find this woman a teaching job!
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