Megan told me my last blog sucked. I can't blame her. I reread my last posting and thought to myself "Damn, my last blog DID suck." Hopefully what follows will show a little more effort and thoughtfulness than the last.
I've been faced with quite a dilemma this holiday season. While people's eagerness to send Christmas cards appears to be on the rise, judging by my daily mail delivery (no doubt in part to the ease with which Snapfish provides to print photocards), their enthusiasm to buy presents is dwindling. Multiple family members of mine, all of whom shall remain nameless to protect their identities, have suggested a "no-gift-giving-Christmas" this year. I question the motive behind this. Is it because the malls are crowded and I (the proverbial "I") just don't know what to buy someone who has everything? Or is it because the true meaning of Christmas and gifts has been tainted by the commercialization of a once religious holiday? Or, still, is it that I don't bother getting to know someone well enough that I know their likes, wants and needs?
Crowded malls? Problem solved. Enter...the Internet. Not only is it easy and convenient, a feat accomplished while still in pajamas, but most internet sites actually carry a larger inventory than the store itself. Now, you have proof that the person you are buying for does not, in fact, have everything.
Christmas spirit is reflected in mall Santas, toy commercials and WalMart's 4th quarter profits? Ok, I'll give you this one, however it is easily remedied by teaching your children the true meaning of Christmas by taking them to church and reading them the story of the real St. Nick.
The last reason for abandoning gift giving I find pathetic. If you are so inclined (whether it be societal pressure or sheer desire) to buy a gift for someone, it would be in your best interest (and for that of your karma) to put a little effort into your purchase. Listen to hints that people drop, observe habits and hobbies that might boast meaningful gift ideas. For crying out loud, it's NOT THAT HARD.
In case you couldn't infer thus far, I LIKE the idea of gift giving. Not because I like receiving gifts, but I enjoy the hunt and thrill of finding the perfect gift for someone. But in all selfishness, I don't want to put that type of effort into someone who is going to get me yet another gift set from Bath & Body Works (the standard 'I-don't-know-what-to-get-someone-gift').
Simply put - the holidays have lost their "flare". Christmas use to begin with Thanksgiving and continue through the month of December. Every Sunday there was a new advent activity during Sunday School, and carols were sung every church service the whole month of December. Now laziness and hangovers cloud my Sunday mornings. Trimming the tree was a family event with music in the background. This year, I picked out a tree in 7 minutes, and am pretty sure it's going to die any day now. No longer do I have off from December 23rd until after the new year. Christmas movies on tv are cut and edited for content and are littered with commercials. I am no longer so excited for Christmas morning that I can't sleep the night before. For me, it's just another day off from work...where I will most likely spend 2 or 3 hours in the car, fulfilling the needs of parents and family who insist you come to THEIR house.
Before long, Christmas will become just another one of those holidays that includes a family dinner (or in my case, multiple family dinners) where one or more family members drinks a little to much, and everyone leaves 5 pounds heavier. I'm hoping that one day, when I introduce kids into my life, my outlook will change and I can once again see Christmas through a child's eyes, where the magic is as real as the gifts under the tree.
3 comments:
Sounds to me like you need to go back to your roots and spend a little more time in church on Sunday morning in stead of hung over. But if you don't want to change I am willing to particitpate in a social experiment where you buy me gifts, I judge them, then I give you something I like. It should be fun.
In case you were wondering I am begining to hate Christmas and I HAVE a child. I honestly believe we have lost what Christmas is about. They call it "child like faith" not because you have to be uneducated to have it, but you need to have less distraction.
I have to say that blog did make up for your lackluster from before. I too feel your pain, I feel that as life gets more complicated I get shortsited about christmas...hmm lots to think about, but I too like the hunt and thrill of finding the perfect gift, but lately I am too tired to try and feel that we just have too much stuff, and by 'we' I mean everyone I know.
Yikes! I know the feeling. Holidays are great, but they involve a lot of driving and pressure to see people. Sort of makes it hard to enjoy! I've been envying the folks at work who blithely say they are staying home with their kids and spouses. How nice would it be to stay home and enjoy a lazy Christmas morning at home?? I agree with the gift giving thought, too. As much as I hate the malls around the holidays (hence the reason I usually start shopping in August) I love the thrill of the hunt. Nothing more fun than finding the perfect gift for someone you love, eh?
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