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The madness of holiday gift giving.
I give holidays the Nancy Reagan.
This year I’m just saying no to holiday shopping.
Holiday consumerism is one of the most garish displays of American Madness, symptomatic of a souless culture that has replaced true fellow feeling with jargon, slogans, products and guilt.
Even in Strasbourg, France, birthplace of Christmas tree, the famous market is now reportedly overrun with tourists and shlock holiday tie-ins.
This Christmas, I am giving no one a gift, and expect no gifts for myself. My novel idea is this: if I want a gift, I can take my holiday savings and buy one!
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One comment to “The madness of holiday gift giving.
I give holidays the Nancy Reagan.”
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11. December 2006 at :
The entire argument I’m about to make is moot because you’re Jewish and shouldn’t be concerning yourself with Christmas gift-giving even if you do refer to them as ‘Holiday’ gifts.
Just because commercialism has taken a stranglehold on the gift-giving season (to use a completely non-religious term) does not mean you should envelop yourself into a shroud of anti-gift-giving. Following the rampant commercialism of the season and getting wrapped up in the feelings of having to buy the newest, best, most fashionable product is one extreme. The other end of that spectrum is to close yourself off to the potentially good feelings you can have by remembering that the season is a time to remember the people you care about and maybe give a little something to those extra-special people. Never expect a gift at this time of year, but be thankful when you receive one.
Coming from me I’m sure this sounds like I’m on my way to some sarcastic and cynical punchline, but I’m being completely sincere. I enjoy this time of year because of the good feelings it has always engendered in me. That is why I have a party every year. That is my gift to my friends and a nice time to have everyone together in one place enjoying the spirit and the spirits.
But you’re going to France for my party, you dick!