[deezelpope]

Originally Posted by rpainter

I absolutely refuse to do anything Christmas related until AFTER Thanksgiving.

It seems that the entire world gets so wrapped up in the commercial side of Christmas, and forgets what it is really supposed to be about.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. But, if I had to choose, Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday...hands down. Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and friends. No one "expects" presents. It is just a time to give thanks for everything you have.

Christmas has gotten to the point where if you don't get a 2nd (or 3rd) mortgage on your house to buy your kid all the CRAP that they will play with for a week, then you are not a good parent. We buy or child 2 or 3 things, and try to teach her what Christmas is REALLY about.

Sorry for the post...getting off my soapbox now.

Originally Posted by Dean C

Completely agree with you rpainter. I'm not religious whatsoever, but I see christmas as an opportunity to make an effort to spend time with friends and family The whole concepts of gifts annoys me, but unfortunately in the society we live in it's almost an obligation!

Originally Posted by rpainter

And that is the sad truth. When you feel obligated to give it, is it truly a "gift"?

I totally agree with BOTH of you! UGH! The commercialism ticks me off!

The only gift I ask for is to see my kids who live 6 hours from us...and our gifts to them this year will be hand-made fleece knot blankets I'm making myself. Not only are they getting blankets, but so is everyone else on our list. Next year, I want to make cookies to give as gifts.