Yep, you read that title right. No presents for Christmas. And before you jump to conclusions, this post isn’t going to be about why Christmas should be all about the spirit of giving and that presents don’t matter. For some people (me not included) presents do matter. I’ll at least say that I’m not peeved that there’ll be nothing for me under the tree.
Really, in all honesty, there was never anything under the tree to begin with. My family doesn’t do the whole “wrapping thing”. We all go to the store and just buy things for ourselves and go home. That’s it. Yeah, it took away from the spirit of Christmas (or should I say, it added to the “hyper commercialism”), but yeah, we didn’t care. For my younger sisters and I, Christmas was just an excuse to get stuff. And in more ways than one, it still is. My sister’s are getting their favorite video games to play over winter break. All over the net, there are tons and tons of ads that scream low prices. On TV, there are commercials with the kids getting their mother or father a gift, usually ending with a store’s or phone company’s brand – effectively ruining the moment.
The real meaning of Christmas
The purpose of Christmas got lost somewhere between the commercialism and the value of giving. I guess that Christmas is just what you make of it. For some, it’s a time to give. For others, it’s a time to get as many gifts as possible. But for me, it’s a time to reflect on what’s really important. I’ve gotten almost everything I wanted this year (material-wise), but not getting anything or giving anything besides blog posts doesn’t make me feel anything. Am I not apart of Christmas if I don’t get or give? I don’t know.
I’d rather spend this holiday thinking about how I can better serve the world so it in turn can better serve me. You can call me stingy for not giving anything, or a kind soul for being content with not getting anything, but I think it’s better for the world if I just focus on improving myself. Naturally this will improve the lives of others. The happier I get, it’s natural that I’ll try to push some of my happiness onto them. It’s only fair, right?
So I guess why I’m not getting anything is…
Mostly because there are more important things I want to spend my money on. Like experiences. You’ll find out soon enough 
.
Final thoughts, comments, etc.
What do the holidays mean to you? Is it the giving? Is it the getting? Is it about the reflections upon years past? Are you going to a soup kitchen to help others (not being a hypocrite here, I’m not going anywhere)? Will you be busy writing resolutions? (Actually, more on that next week).
Tell me what you think.
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10 comments to “Why I’m Not Getting Anything For Christmas”
JoHn,
I dont think youre stingy at all…on the contrary…youre the big hearted guy with soul:)
My hubby and I have jumped on the bandwagon of no gifts fro occasions. We prefer giving each other the little coupons “good for 5 hugs” or “good for a whole day of cuddles” etc..We never really buy stuff unless necessary. Okay I’m a bit partial to my little one..cause i love to see her face light up when we get her a new toy..but you know she is equally happy with a candy bar so i guess i will have to reevaluate that too
My mum and brother are still big on gifts…and find it weird that we are not into the commercials and the Sale culture. But hey i prefer cuddles and hugs over any other thing money can ever buy…:)
Happy holidays to you and your family!
p.s. did you try making the mattar paneer?
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Hearts Design
Coupons, eh? Hmmm…never occurred to me before. Still, what if you’re made as all hell at a person and they give you that coupon? ha ha, I guess you’re forced to hug them then…
Hugs and kisses are definitely preferable (well, sometimes) to actual gifts. I’m with you on that.
Oh and I haven’t tried making it yet. Not because I don’t want to, but I’m working on a few things right now. With about a week and a few days left of break, I want to use the time I have now for the projects.
Thanks for calling me big hearted
I try.
Happy Holidays, Zeenat!
Hi John. It’s okay. I’m not getting anything for Christmas too, nor do I expect to get things. I think Christmas is just about spending time hanging out with family and enjoying each other’s company. That’s why we really get these days off; it’s not really to see who’s got the best gift. My family has a Christmas lights and a tree, and just seeing that makes me happy. I really enjoyed reading this article. Thanks for sharing this.
Don’t worry about it. As you can tell, I’m not bummed about it at all. I’m glad we all have such emotional views towards what Christmas is about. It’s not just about the giving or getting, it’s the togetherness.
Oh yeah, your name is Hulbert now. Kind of new, but I’ll get used to it
Happy Holidays, Hulbert! —> (HHH)
lol John, I never receive any presents from Christmas, nor do I ever expect to get them from my parents.
For me, we used to get red money bags from Chinese New Year and that’s about all the presents I get for a holiday (and my Bday of course).
It always feels nice to drive down the road and see Christmas trees in every house hold, it makes me feel connected and included even though I don’t know those people. I think Christmas is a time where every human being no matter who they are or how they are, celebrate and unite with a universal tradition.
You should watched the movie Joyeux Noel- it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever watched…:)
Steven´s last blog ..Intellectual understanding Vs. Intuitive connection
Joyeux Noel, huh? I might have to watch that sometime…but not before checking out Avatar!
It’s great that we can all feel connected, even though most people wouldn’t like to think so. Maybe if we did (regardless of what day it was), there’d be less suffering in the world.
Happy Holidays, Steven
The holidays is usually a bittersweet time for me. We never celebrated the holidays, we don’t have a close knit family AND our family (both sides) is very small. Though I didn’t get any gifts either (or cards for that matter though I sent out 30) I feel bad because I dont have that “bond” so many people have. For me the holidays is just a countdown to Near Years!
I like that you’re so thoughtful about things; it makes me think more too. Best wishes in the New Year.
Thanks Elsie! I’m flattered you think I’m thoughtful
ha ha, Happy New Year to you too!