My family, granted we’re Jewish, basically stopped all gift-giving, except for when there’s a new kid in the extended family, which is rare. I wholly agree that Christmas is the best example of conspicuous consumption/consumerism and extreme capitalism. Frankly, Christmas season makes me kind of uncomfortable because of all the social expectations to give gifts. Fortunately I can usually say ‘“nah I’m Jewish, I don’t do Christmas,” but you’d be surprised how many folks are totally confused by that. So yup, spoil your kids if you want to, but don’t expect me to send you a holiday gift if you’re a functional adult.
My family, granted we’re Jewish, basically stopped all gift-giving, except for when there’s a new kid in the extended family, which is rare. I wholly agree that Christmas is the best example of conspicuous consumption/consumerism and extreme capitalism. Frankly, Christmas season makes me kind of uncomfortable because of all the social expectations to give gifts. Fortunately I can usually say ‘“nah I’m Jewish, I don’t do Christmas,” but you’d be surprised how many folks are totally confused by that. So yup, spoil your kids if you want to, but don’t expect me to send you a holiday gift if you’re a functional adult.
Yes, the pressure is immense and I suspect most would not miss it if they could just let it go and could experience life without it.