Ah, the season of unbridled greed and avarice has begun! I suppose it is time for my annual rant against rampant consumerism. I was relieved to see that only some fights broke out at Mal-Wart this year and thankfully, no one was killed. Well, if they had killed some of the people fighting, that would have been okay, just as long as no innocent people just trying to make a living were killed.
It occurred to me a few days ago that, not only is Christmas not about Christ anymore, it's not even about Christmas anymore; even a secular Christmas I mean. It is simply just a season to Buy Stuff. It's like hunting season only I think most hunters actually have more reverence for their rituals than most people do now for the "holiday season". It means nothing but excess and indulgence. Oh, the media does some bits on charity gift drives for the Salvation Army and such but really, it just doesn't even occur to people to NOT buy stuff. It's what you do, you know! Buy stuff! It doesn't matter if they actually might use it or need it, you are TO BUY STUFF. It's what we live for.
But how is it that a few people can shake off the mind-numbing media/ social voodoo and say, 'hey! NO! I want this season (Christmas, Solstice, Hanukkah etc.) to mean something? I'm not going to indebt myself to people who wouldn't piss on me if my head were on fire, in order to buy heaps of gifts that will be discarded before the debt is paid off.' Now, don't get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with the giving of thoughtful gifts to the ones we love. As long as we can still see that having the ones we love, is the best gift of all.
*Trace Adkins
14 comments:
Ahh...a woman after my own heart. I was just contemplating a post about consumerism, etc. Thanks for putting some of my thoughts into words!
The little I buy is over the internet and a month before all this so that when this silly season comes, I can do other things besides engage in mob shopping. So imagine my horror when I found out my brother, to be married next week near you, requested that I dress in black khakis and a white dress shirt, neither of which I had and too late to get online. So I sucked it up and braved the Saturday afternoon crowds. Instant headache and that was just finding a parking spot. I'm glad that I only have one sibling because NEVER AGAIN!
Nice mini-rant Edifice Scrooge!
heehee
Agree on the shopping madness, but I love to see my kids open something they've wanted and I was able to provide.
Even now when they are so grown.
I'd read somewhere that our economy isn't based on spending but on frenzied spending.
Amen !!!
Hey Melody! well, I'm sure you could write a much more erudite post on the subject!
Hey Ed! Oh, the horrors! glad you made it out okay!
Your brother is getting married near me!? Does he live in the area too?
Oh, you have to stop by if you have time! I'd love to meet you and your family!
Hey FC! Haha! Humbug!
well, like I said, I love to give meaningful gifts as well and if I had my own family I'd probably go a little bonkers too!
Hey Pablo! by definition, that's a very good word for it because I think a lot of it is a definite sign of emotional disturbance.
Hey Richard! that's right brother!!
All you.ve said can be said again. Where is the human race headed? Thanks Annie - a great post.
ps I miss your land's view.
I couldn't agree with you more...! I made nearly all the gifts I gave last year, and may do the same this year...!
I'm so against the whole retail "Christmas" thing. Could be because I spent so many years in retail...!
I do hope you have a safe and happy holiday season, my friend!
I was about to stop the gift giving madness. The adults in the family pick names, making it so much better. But, the Grandchildren came along and I have to buy for them.lol
Amen. This year I have vowed only to give what can be handmade or bought locally. No big box stores. So, far, I think I am going to be able to do it.
Hey Sissy! thanks! yeah, I've been looking for a photo of my land but wanted something that showed changing seasons.
Hey Jim! thanks! and same to you. I make most of my gifts too. I think that's a good way to go!
Hey Loretta! yeah, we draw names too so that helps some but I understand the grandkid thing even tho i don't have em!
Hey IR! yeah, that's a good way to do it and what i try to do too.
as you can probably guess we aren't a bunch of consumers. most gifts this season will be hand made.
shopping this time of year is for the side of society that i don't really care for. i admit that i was a consumer in a past iteration of myself. although i have mended my ways.
Hey karl! {shopping this time of year is for the side of society that i don't really care for} i think that is a very good way to describe my feelings too!
i used to be a big shopper also but guess i grew up.
I don't do a lot of hand-crafting, so I'm very thankful to know folks like you who do. I would much rather give something meaningful and beautiful that's hand-made locally than feel as though I'm throwing money away just to satisfy an expectation.
I needed some clothespins the day after Thanksgiving and said to hell with it -- no way I'm going anywhere today -- I'll be trampled before I ever do the wash!
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