Christmas Greed v. Christmas Need
So this year, Chris (my boyfriend) and I wrote out lists of gifts we wanted from the other or just in general. But I started to feel extremely guilty for wanting it all. At one point I thought of telling him to not get me anything beyond what he already had. Or to make a donation somewhere of the remaining balance of what he planned to spend. Surely a shelter or charity could use the money for meals or coats for the homeless (BTW, New York Cares is collecting coats until Dec. 31). The worst part was occassionally thinking, "Crap, I forgot to ask for the 'Felicity' DVD or gift certificate to Scoop." So one night I brought this up, and Chris said, "Don't feel guilty. That's just how the cards were dealt." I wouldn't wish to be homeless on anyone, even my worst enemy. If I'm the least bit cold at night, I crawl under my down comforter, thanking God I have a warm bed. But there are so many who don't even have that. And that is what I feel bad for. Because here I'm asking for all of this stuff I want but don't really need when so many don't have as much.
So here's my question to all of you, should we feel guilty for asking for gifts at Christmas?
posted by Maggie @ 10:18 PM
2 Comments:
You've got a big heart, Maggie.
I believe that the secret to a happy life is gratitude.
And I think, Christmas (the economic side, that is) is more about giving gifts, than receiving them. You and Chris both work hard for what you earn, so you deserve to be able to get things for each other, as an expression of love and appreciation.
I often think about how lucky I am that I happened to be born into a stable household, in a prosperous nation, when I could just have easily been born in an AIDS-wracked village in Africa.
Rampant Consumerism is a dangerous thing, and far too many people (especially on Long Island) revel in it, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Your's is a kind and compassionate soul.
So you go and endjoy that Felicity DVD!
Merry Christmas, Maggie!
It is very interesting how the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas has evolved in the last 200 years.
From a single wooden carving made by the elders of a village for the children, into an all out brawl for a person's space in line for the latest video game system.
But as long as we recognize the real reason for celebration (the birth of Jesus), I believe that giving and receiving gifts is a time honored tradition that should not be associated with guilt.
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