Arguments against Christmas

It's that time of the year again.

Rampant commercialism, flooded airports and train stations, and the same songs being played on repeat in department stores and retail stores across the country. It's Christmas time.

Recently as I progress into my early 20s, I find very little use for the holidays from an economic perspective. It has become more of a cost than a benefit - as I am now expected to purchase gifts from other people. From that point of view, why make a decision which will provide no utility to me?

I have made the decision to remain alone for the holidays, as I will not have to bear the cost of Christmas - which will save me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Would love to hear thoughts.

 
Best Response
bankerbrokeranalyst:
It's that time of the year again.

Rampant commercialism, flooded airports and train stations, and the same songs being played on repeat in department stores and retail stores across the country. It's Christmas time.

Recently as I progress into my early 20s, I find very little use for the holidays from an economic perspective. It has become more of a cost than a benefit - as I am now expected to purchase gifts from other people. From that point of view, why make a decision which will provide no utility to me?

I have made the decision to remain alone for the holidays, as I will not have to bear the cost of Christmas - which will save me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Would love to hear thoughts.

Giving gifts isn't Christmas.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
bankerbrokeranalyst:
It's that time of the year again.

Rampant commercialism, flooded airports and train stations, and the same songs being played on repeat in department stores and retail stores across the country. It's Christmas time.

Recently as I progress into my early 20s, I find very little use for the holidays from an economic perspective. It has become more of a cost than a benefit - as I am now expected to purchase gifts from other people. From that point of view, why make a decision which will provide no utility to me?

I have made the decision to remain alone for the holidays, as I will not have to bear the cost of Christmas - which will save me hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Would love to hear thoughts.

See here: https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-write-better-by-improving-your-…

 

I understand what you're saying, but there's two sides to the coin and you just have to choose which side to look at.

On one side, it's definitely commercialism and company's just trying to get your dollar. Stores are trying to get their products and decorations out earlier and earlier each year, to the point where the "Early Summer Christmas Sale" is a couple of years away. It can turn into a game of buying things for people that they don't necessary want, just so they can give you things you don't necessary want and forget about by next year.

However, I would ask you to not view the holiday in that light. Think about it as way to spend time with your family or friends. This year, just find one thing you enjoy and do that. Could be watching a holiday movie, could be volunteering, could be learning something about someone, or starting a new tradition. The thing about the holiday's is it's all about how you want to do. If you don't want to buy gifts, don't. If you don't want to travel, don't. But at least make an effort to be with people and enjoy it.

One thing I find myself doing this year is actually paying attention to commercials and the way companies advertise. I find it amazing how some global companies have commercials that have nothing to do with their products, like "vignettes of a family on Christmas morning--->buy a Honda". A commercial that kinda touched me was the Salvation Army commercial this year about how we all need to help each other. Maybe give that one a watch.

Maybe this will help you, maybe it will help someone else. I guess in a small way I did/"tried" to do my part.

 

I won't argue that commercialism and traveling suck much of the joy out of the season but there's a lot more to this time of year than gifts and flights.

OP, it's very obvious that your only motivations are around what is good for you. It's also obvious that you don't value family and maybe even human interaction, not too surprising given that it would be inconvenient to you to stop work and go spend time with other people.

At a minimum, for those who enjoy being around people they like/care about, the holidays are the perfect time to come together and spend time with one another. Beyond that, this time of year holds a deeply religious meaning for much of the world. So whether you're a Christian, a Jew, or just a human being who likes other human beings, this is the time of year to celebrate. Could it have been another time of year? Sure, but Christmas traditions in the winter go back a LONG way.

 

Christmas rocks. I love giving gifts, love seeing family and friends, love the food and the break from work. If you can't adore to buy any gifts, gift them with your presence. If you can't afford a ticket ask for one for Christmas. No point in getting filthy rich if you don't have anyone to share it with.

Only two sources I trust, Glenn Beck and singing woodland creatures.
 

Dafaq bro? From an economics perspective xmas and black friday brings us all into the $GAINZ.

Rejoice as your ancestors have convinced all the broke losers to spend what little money they do have left on shit pieces of plastic from china to gift to people who don't really want them in the first place, all in the name of "love."

 

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