Christmas has become a time when many Americans truly show their wastefulness and greed. It both saddens and sickens me.
Everyone says Christmas is not about stuff. That its about religious values and/or a time for family, however, many only give either of those aspects lip-service.
IMO, children get way too much, adults spend way too much, and I would venture to say that a great number of Americans put much, if not all, of Christmas expenses on credit cards that they will be paying on until at least the next Christmas.
For those who celebrate Christmas as a time to recognize the birth of Christ, it would seem appropriate to consider what would Jesus approve of. Gluttony, greed, wastefulness, and the love of stuff would not seem to fit the bill.
I believe Christmas should be simple. Of course, more focus and likely more money will go into giving children presents, however, even that should be reasonable. This is not for the sake of a bank account or pocketbook, but for the sake of the children. To appreciate what they have. I know so many people with children who have tons of stuff and most of it is never played with or cared for properly. A few gifts for the kids. A single gift or two exchanged between most of the relatives. Maybe something nicer for the parents. Something meaningful between spouses.
If Christmas is to be a time for reflection and family, then make it that way. What I see most often is that it is a time for rushing about instead of relaxation, debt instead of thankfulness, stress instead of peace and joy.
BTW, if someone asks me what my favorite holiday is, it is no contest: my anniversary. Second place? January 1st, the Christmas of college football.
