Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Gift Giving

I miss the way it used to be. For many years, starting when I was born, we always bought gifts for everyone. Big gift, little gift. Didn't matter. Loved all the beautifully wrapped gifts under a glorious tree, sparkly and bright. Then another relative would show up with shopping bags w/ handles, full of more gifts. We'd eat our big turkey meal and then after clean-up, we'd gather 'round the tree and open gifts one at a time.
Now? People really don't have the money and if they do? It has become a switch of gift cards. Really? Or video games or in the case of my step-son, we are told what to get for him, his wife and his kids.
Am I wrong in thinking that a gift should be just that? Something you see that you think the other person would like. And seriously, if you don't know someone that well, why are you buying them a gift anyway? I celebrate the birth of my Savior. Gifts? I wish we would dispense with the obligatory chore. It shouldn't be a chore. I would rather get or make a gift for someone at any time of the year. Give my time. Lend an ear.
I also love to send Christmas cards but don't understand why 'we' send them to everyone on our list. Then it's, "Oh crap! Now I have to send them a card." And 10 years later you are wondering who the hell these people are! Newsletters? All the hype and none of the truth. Can you spell e-m-b-e-l-l-i-s-h-m-e-n-t?
I am not a Grinch. I have also done all of the above. I just think we have slid so far from the true meaning/spirit of Christmas,....Oooo, can I ever say that? Should I be saying Holiday?
Yeah, now I could rant about political correctness. That is a real joke.
Arugh! I sound like such a bitch right now and that isn't how I feel. I am just longing for a trip back in time, I guess. Perhaps I'd better look inside myself.

Oh! I almost forgot! I just finished reading The Dome by Stephen King. Awesome!!!!!

14 comments:

Stanley said...

I am a grinch. I've discovered one of the bad things about working in retail this time of year is the unending stream of Christmas music. Ugh!

Cheeseboy said...

I don't think you are the grinch. Unless the grinch is awesome!

Can I get your address to send you a semi-embelashed Chrismas card?

Kelly said...

Yeah, I always hated those embellished newsletters. Thankfully, we don't get them any longer. We don't get as many Christmas cards as we used to, either- which doesn't bother me a bit. Like you, I feel that all the gift giving nonsense is out of control. It seems hardly anyone remembers what Christmas is really all about. I think it's been that way for the last couple of decades with the general public.

A real shame.

As far as the PC people go, in regards to saying the word Christmas... Well, they can stick candy canes up their keesters and whistle dixie for all I care.

Anyway... I want to thank you for commenting on my latest post and I truly wish you a meaningful and happy Christmas.

Unknown said...

my sister and i LOVE getting christmas newsletter updates- so we can laugh hysterically and scoff at them.

Anonymous said...

Not grinchy at all! I think the exact same thing. And I refuse to buy presents for someone just because I "have" to. Having to buy defeats the purpose.

Sairs said...

I wish all people felt like you do, I love giving gifts rather than receiving them. I love watcing my husband try and figure out what the preset is before he opens it and then see his smile when he sees it. I love this. You are not a grinch.
*hugs*
Sarah

the walking man said...

I give gifts to my kids and grand kid by checkbook and make the old lady go to the post office to mail them. That's it the entirety of the whole Christmas shtick for me. If that music comes on I switch the channel. If I get asked if I am Santa Clause by the kids where I tutor at because of my beard I tell them he is my third or fourth cousin and we had a fight and don't talk anymore. And anyone foolish enough to send me a card in the mail usually gets it returned addressee unknown. the wife gets 'em but no one has sent me one for at least 5 years.

This ain't, as they say, your daddy's Christmas. So to hell with every commercialized since the Fourth of July bit of it.

Linda Medrano said...

It even annoys me when brides "register" for the gifts they want. I mean, go fucking buy it yourself and tell me how much it cost and I'll give it to you.

Linda Medrano said...

It even annoys me when brides "register" for the gifts they want. I mean, go fucking buy it yourself and tell me how much it cost and I'll give it to you.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I totally agree with you. And Merry Christmas!!!

klahanie said...

I've got to agree with you on this. I think the true meaning of Christmas got lost in some insincere money making scheme.
I like your thought of making gifts. This truly demonstrates the personal touch.
I guess I shouldn't mention that Christmas is affectionately known in my house as 'Boxing Day Eve'. Do I seem cynical or what eh? :-)
Take very good care of yourself and your loved ones.
With respect and kind wishes, your way, Gary.

Susan said...

Hello Middle Child...Thanks for your visit and comment on my blog. Yeah, I hear you about the crass commercialization of Christmas. I still love it, though. Love the decorating, socializing, and giving gifts! Take care and visit whenever you can. Susan

Sandra said...

I have to agree with you. It's too much. All of it is too much. I told my family (four of whom are under the age of 15 so I was sort of fighting a losing battle) but I said, "Woudln't it be nice if this Christmas we didn't exchange gifts? We just enjoyed each others company, a nice meal, dainties?" Nobody agreed with me. Tomorrow I brave the masses at the mall.

Gnetch said...

I agree. We have lost the true meaning of Christmas. I don't even know what that is anymore. To me, it has just become a routine where you have to prepare food and wrap gifts for everyone every 25th of December. I know, I'm horrible. Actually, one blogger called me Grinch already on her post. Nice, huh?

You don't sound like a bitch. What you just said is effing true!!

Hikari