Is the Holiday Season too Materialistic?

As much as I agree with Saleh, that material is not everything and that getting carried away with gift giving is not all that good. I have to agree more with Lauren Smith’s idea in how she feels about the holidays not being to materialistic. Smith brings up a good point in how the gift can come from the heart and like Halloween, everyone does not get to dress in costumes all the time. During the gift giving holiday, this is a time not only to reflect, but also a time to have the excuse or reason to give someone in need, something they needed without showing pity. Smith believed that the holiday season should not only be a time for families and friends, but to be selfish. Charities are a good example of giving to those who can not afford many things. My sister was once in that position, where she could not afford to buy presents for her grandchildren and charity places that had donated gifts to children whose families are economically disabled, where able to provide a little happiness the children. I too was once in that position where I had told my children that I could not afford much of a gift for them and friends came through with wonderful gifts for my children to have a great Christmas. While time and memory is good to create and teach our children, giving to children and others who can not afford even the small stuff, can be joyful. As long as people remember that gift giving can be a selfless act, and that it should also get balance with spending time with loved ones. This is when it does not become too materialistic. Not all my family can always afford presents for each other, but we do try to make sure that the little ones enjoys Christmas every year. Then the adults spend time eating and just enjoying each others company. That is how my family and friends deal with the holidays.