The other day, I was listening to National Public Radio, when a story came on about a book called Tinsel: A Search for America’s Christmas Present. They were interviewing the author, who said he was taken by the enormity of Christmas in our culture, and wanted to follow several families through their Christmas traditions. Essentially, an exercise in
Photo Credit Sister72
trying to understand the point of Christmas.
So, he moved to Frisco, Tx and followed three families through their Christmas experiences, over the course of three years. The story is the culmination of these three years, and is intended to highlight the rampant effect of consumerism on this holiday, of which so many people seem to be missing the point. According to the interview and all the reviews I’ve read, the author does an excellent job of bringing the hype of the Christmas holidays into focus.
Listening to this interview got me thinking about a recent Christmas experience, where I had several people asking me to just give them money as a Christmas gift. Quite frankly, it troubled me greatly, and sadly enough, falls directly in line with what the author was trying to communicate. For many, this holiday has become about consumption, rather than the spirit of giving that should characterize the Christmas season.
Apparently, the vast majority of the story deals with the hype leading up to Christmas. The lights and gift buying. The parties and largess that this holiday has become. Then, on Christmas Day, there’s a short frenzy of gift opening, and then the cycle starts all over.
Based on everything I’ve read, it seems like an accurate portrayal. Society has put such pressure on us to make Christmas as “perfect” as possible that it can easily become difficult to enjoy the holiday while recalling the true meaning of Christmas.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the Christmas season, and enjoy both giving and getting gifts. But I don’t think I want to let myself get so wrapped up in the consumerism side of the season this year. And as for the request for cash as a gift — I’m going to have to think long and hard about that one. After all — if we’re just trading cash, what’s the point?
Hi Greg,
I agree with you on the idea of too much consumerism. Giving is what Christmas is about, of course after the birth of Christ.
As for the cash gift though, I view money as the gift of freedom. Whatever the person wants I’m more than happy to give them. Looking at it from a trade-off perspective is thinking about what you’re going to get. I give freely, feel great about it, and leave it at that.