The Gift Giving Extravaganza - AND WHY I HATE IT.

Christmas is a love-hate relationship for me.

I love winter. I love Christmas lights. I love decorating the house.I love eggnog, baked goods, and large family get togethers.

Okay, I lied. I tolerate large family get togethers.

But you know what.

I might sound like the Grinch here...

I strongly dislike the gift giving necessity. In North America - it seems like that is all that Christmas is - materialistic. When comparing North America to other countries; more specifically, European countries, Christmas is a time of coming together and enjoying each others presence. NOT PRESENTS.

Can someone please explain to me the point of doing "Secret Santa" and then requesting the gift you would like to receive?

Buy your own damn gifts. You're an adult.

Please. Let's keep the tradition of gift giving for the children alive. Let's keep Santa Claus alive. Let's keep the reindeer alive, for the CHILDREN.

Also, why do parents feel the need to compete financially with other families over who has the best gifts under the tree? Why do 2-3 year olds need fifteen-twenty new toys on one day? Toddlers are generally more impressed with the box than the object within the box. Ripping the wrapping paper, ribbons and bows is a lot of fun.

Why is there such a thing that low income families are requesting that affluent families spend less on their children's gifts from Santa because the children from low income families are complaining that their gifts are lesser than other children's gifts. YES SANTA LOVES RICH CHILDREN BETTER THAN POOR CHILDREN.

This is a fine example of first world problems.

But, in the meantime - I would greatly appreciate if Christmas could be less materialistic, consumeristic, and more about the time spent with the ones you love.

This Christmas I will be buying the children in my life investments. Trust me, one day they will appreciate the money for higher education, downpayment on a house, or even future wedding. Maybe they won't love the idea today, but delayed gratification I tell ya, one day they will appreciate me for it.