I have to agree with you there, so much money is wasted on superfluous gadgetry. But I rarely spend money on myself. So on Birthdays & Winter Solstice I search for something. Invariably I don't find anything, because my brain is fixed on needs rather than wants, so I thought I would start this topic to see what people might come up with.We go with only the most minimal of presents as we are appalled by the annual UK greedfest that lasts in the UK from mid-November to mid-January.
I am not a religious person, but I genuinely feel that the emphasis should shift back towards the real religious meaning and celebration and the mass spend cease accordingly.
I am sure the real St Nicholas (a Turkish monk who gave food and small gifts to the poorest in his village) would be appalled by his modern representation.
Bah Humbug!
Same here, we prefer to celebrate Winter Solstice. But our family has grown now & there are more children so they end up with an Xmas & a Winter Solstice We decided years ago that we would exchange handmade gifts, but over the years we have sort of run out of ideas as to what to make that would be of real practicle value.wife and I aren't Christian and don't celebrate Christmas, although we do exchange gifts.
most of the stuff you see advertised at Christmas is just so much tatt, people are getting themselves into (more) debt for what amounts to a load of rubbish, got some distant relatives who are heavily in debt and for what? most of what they bought is just absolute rubbish but they still keep buying this stuff.
As nominal Christians, we celebrate Christmas but don't go mad on presents. My mother at 88 can't think of anything she wants so l make up a hamper of foods l know she likes. Our siblings and our sons also get hampers of local (where possible) foods including pork from the pigs mentioned elsewhere and jams and pickles l've made over the year. Present giving can become a minefield of wrong things and "l gave you things worth more than the things you gave me" if you're not careful. l think our younger son had it right the year he wanted a black comb and purple bubble bath. (He did get them but a few more things aswell)
No l don't mind you asking. Of course, the midwinter celebration predates Christianity in this country and knowing people wouldn't stop celebrating, the Church craftily added the birth of Jesus to it to give them an excuse. l think it is sad how nowadays the Christmas celebration has become more of a competition with everyone needing to have the "perfect" Christmas when in reality it turns out to be less so. Why do people feel they have to get into debt in order to give their children the "must have" toy of the year. The Anchor Spreadable advert with the squeaky elephant shows how children don't need expensive toys. (And every mother of young children in the land knows exactly how the mother in the advert feels) A 2 year old will have more fun with the box it came in than with most toys. My boys were no exception and had as much fun playing they were cats using tinsel as tails as they did decorating the tree with it. Sadly, l think those of us who prefer to live with less are in a minority in these days of big bucks advertising.I hope you don't mind me asking (and, of course, you don't have to answer) but how do you view the consumerfest that happens every Xmas these years Barbara? To me it all feels so contrary to the Gospel teachings.
And l thought it meant you had to feed them, not eat them. My mother is coming at Christmas but as she's a tough old bird (sorry mum) we'll have lamb to eat instead. You made me laugh!We have been seeing an advertisement on TV that is promoting the idea of asking an older person who might be lonely to come to Christmas dinner.
I asked the family if we should have an old person over for dinner but they said they'd prefer goose.
No l don't mind you asking. Of course, the midwinter celebration predates Christianity in this country and knowing people wouldn't stop celebrating, the Church craftily added the birth of Jesus to it to give them an excuse. l think it is sad how nowadays the Christmas celebration has become more of a competition with everyone needing to have the "perfect" Christmas when in reality it turns out to be less so. Why do people feel they have to get into debt in order to give their children the "must have" toy of the year. The Anchor Spreadable advert with the squeaky elephant shows how children don't need expensive toys. (And every mother of young children in the land knows exactly how the mother in the advert feels) A 2 year old will have more fun with the box it came in than with most toys. My boys were no exception and had as much fun playing they were cats using tinsel as tails as they did decorating the tree with it. Sadly, l think those of us who prefer to live with less are in a minority in these days of big bucks advertising.
Well I always get myself a little something this year I'm thinking I might like a metal detector