why has gift giving become such a big part of the holidays?
484668
I enjoy giving gifts to those people I care about. I like making them happy and seeing them smile. I understand that a lot of people feel pressure to spend big bucks for "holiday gifts", but you don't have to cave in to that pressure. Gifts don't have to be expensive, just as long as it comes from the heart, it can be something you've made, or something you've found that made you think of that person. And if you don't want to give for a specific holiday, then just give whenever you want to. There are no written rules on this.
769719
Yes i am! As soon as I see the first holiday ad in the newspapers, i know christmas is here! So its become a crass, commercialised holiday that everyone exploits, but you gotta love it. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
67636
it's really kind of a holiday where the guy gets the girl something but not vice versa, although some girls choose to give a gift to a guy. If you choose to do so, make it something inexpensive, maybe like a music CD or something and a card.
3677
Women are relied on to organize Chrismas for the family because for one thing most women are more organized than men and they are more emotional and get into it more than men do. Besides most men don't know how to wrap presents and decorating the inside of the house is what women normally do. As for the outside, thats where the other two percent comes in. The outside is always the mens job. Thats just the way things are.
695171
The problem is that people have bought in to advertisement.  People believe that they "need" somethng just because the tv commercial says so.  Or that their kid "HAS TO" have the latest and greatest toy just because some other kids parents have shelled out for it.\n\nThere isn't ANY holiday that isn't commercialized in some way anymore.
389720
No, that's silly...Why does every holiday have to become commercialized like Christmas?
727398
Don't assume that everyone has lost the meaning of Christmas. There are millions of families who give their time and money to those who are less fortunate during this time of the year.\n\nThat's the real meaning of Christmas.
703977
I out-grew the present receiving in my teen years learning that it is better give then to receive. I don't look for presents and haven't for many years but yet I still receive presents from my children and also give to them. I retain the family tradition of giving presents to my grand-children but stop giving once they graduate from High School.\n  Christmas to me is my religious teaching that it is the birth of Christ, and that still remains my thoughts of the celebration, and other religions celebrate in their own ways.\n  So it is not just another day to me but the day we worship the birth of the Christ child.
1129228
Mothers push holdiays more.  Women encourage all gift giving activities.  More moms areraising children alone.  Men tend to down play receiving gifts.  Churches are filled with mostly women and they also push the holiday.  School is out by the time Father's Day comes so school children usually are not making cards and gifts.... enough
734057
its nice being around family and friends but anymore christmas means going into debt again......where has christmas gone.....why is it a financial issue now......
10010
Yes, but not the Christian way. It's nice to have the family around, gifts, Christmas tree etc.
760341
In an attempt to sell more wares retailers will do whatever it takes to sell sell sell.\nChristmas originally a religious holiday has been comercialized to the point where a person must not be outdone by others in the giving of gifts.\nwhile giving is the spirit of the season it likely was not intented to break ones bank. Do you really think that the average retailer cares about your finances and if you might over-extend yourself?\n Christmas has been changed, you be the judge of better or worse.
714623
For people all over to believe that Christmas is not about material things it is about love.  And being with someone you love. \n Family which can consist in many different types.
967076
Sweety - Are you asking a question or making a statement?  Of course it would be ideal if all the money overspent in the US (and other places) for Christmas was given to those in need both at home and abroad.  But, its not going to happen.  \n\nThe answer is, Americans spend more money for Christmas gifts than they have which is the reason the holiday has become so commercial. \n\nGBYou
17915
Gee I didn't know there were rules. \n  I think most people buy gifts for those they care about the most and maybe a few other obligatory gifts, like your boss, the kids teacher etc.\n  There are no hard and fast rules though and each family has their own traditions also. Good Luck
949866
Money seems to be tight this year, and you always want to give a loved one something nice, and while holiday shopping you really don't think about receiving. Or I don't anyway. So, if someone took the time to pick out something for me based on my likes and it was cheap, I would love it more than a $50 gift certificate. Why? Because they actually pay attention to me, and know me well enough to make me smile with their gift. And that is my intention for every one on my list. So, in answer to your question; yes, I think it is the thought that counts. Although some people who have the money to lavish there loved ones with gifts, they also put thought into what they buy, they just have the money to reach higher. They shouldn't be looked down upon for that, us less advantaged people just wish we could do that.  Expensive doesn't mean less thought. Sometimes it could even mean more thought. One Christmas, all I wanted was a guitar, very pricey, and I knew that my mom couldn't afford, so I never asked. Everything in me was screaming with desire: have to play a guitar, want a guitar. My mom knew that, and she really surprised me when I woke up and there was one setting under the tree with a bow on it. It was the most precious gift I got because it came right from her heart. \nThe meaning of 'it's the thought that counts' is just as it reads, you put a lot of thought into any gift, and it counts.
842697
YES!!!  I love Christmas.  The music, the smells of different teas, pies and cakes and all of the beautiful decorations.  If it snows, just looking out the window at the sparkling lights glistening off the snow.  And seeing how excited children get.  I don't understand why so many people say Christmas time stresses them out!?!  Luckily my family realizes that it's not all about spending money, but giving.  We draw names within the family and give gifts to shelters and pull names off Christmas trees for the needy.