Buying Christmas

Day 13.

What is both the best and the worst thing about Christmas? Presents. It’s wonderful to look forward to receiving new things; yet, presents are also the most stressful aspect about Christmas. Which is saying a lot (as if cooking for and gathering together a large family isn’t stressful enough). Today I went shopping with my aunt so I could pick out some new clothes to be my present from her. It was sweet of her, but I feel like I don’t deserve to get so many nice things. Aside from feeling guilty shopping for myself, what really amazed me were the hordes of people we had to fight in the stores and on the streets. Crowds are everywhere. Full of people stressed out trying to buy, buy, buy for everyone!

I think the word ‘Christmas’ immediately causes people’s blood pressure to rise in anticipation of the money and time that is to be spent on searching for the perfect present for their children and family. And it’s not like you can just find one good gift and call it quits. Children expect many presents to be waiting under the tree. When did Christmas become such a buying spree? I have always been blessed with a great family full of people eager to get me many nice things. Yet, wouldn’t it be simpler if we celebrated Christmas without all the gift-buying and giving? Maybe just one little something to the people you are closest to, and nothing more. The consumer-happy people of America would never go for it. Anyone who has the means to purchase many things for their families and friends feels an obligation to do so. And so we will all continue to buy and buy some more As the Clock Ticks…