Jesus was born in a stable not a mall
If we took the shopping out of Christmas, the holiday
might be a bit more relaxing and enjoyable. A friend of
mine goes into the stores at the end of November and
gathers all her supplies and groceries for the month of
December. She doesn’t re-enter the buildings until after
the New Year.
With her as my inspiration, I accepted the backlash I got
over my decision to stop Christmas shopping three years
ago. I broke the cycle of insanity in my family. The first
year my daughters growled and sneered like pit bulls
chained to a junkyard fence as I quietly stood my ground.
Christmas isn’t about gift giving or gift getting.
Exchanging gifts was just something the department
stores made up to stir the economy.
I was getting all stressed out fighting for parking spaces
and standing in line ups with overpriced gifts. Is it good
enough, is it thoughtful enough, did I spend too much or
not enough, will it fit, will she like it and on and on it
goes. Combing the crowded stores to buy something for
someone that has everything was the straw that broke
the camel’s back. There I was spending money I don’t
have on gifts people don’t need or want. What a waste.
We have corners full of stuff we got at Christmas that we
don’t use or never wear.
I feel like people are missing the point. Jesus was born in
a stable not a mall. The consumerism is out of hand. The
stores take advantage of panicked shoppers by jacking
prices and Boxing Day sales aren’t really sales. It’s just a
gimmick to sell more stuff. I’m not saying don’t Christmas
shop. I’m saying it’s your choice to make. I won’t be
forced into shopping by my family, society,
commercialism, my kids are anyone else. I’m literally not
buying it.
I’m not a Grinch either. I love Christmas and my heart is
open to celebrate the season with family and friends. I
just don’t shop. Frivolous spending is a choice not an
obligation. Now get out your wallet and put that smile
on your face. The stores are waiting for you.
Page 1 of 2
might be a bit more relaxing and enjoyable. A friend of
mine goes into the stores at the end of November and
gathers all her supplies and groceries for the month of
December. She doesn’t re-enter the buildings until after
the New Year.
With her as my inspiration, I accepted the backlash I got
over my decision to stop Christmas shopping three years
ago. I broke the cycle of insanity in my family. The first
year my daughters growled and sneered like pit bulls
chained to a junkyard fence as I quietly stood my ground.
Christmas isn’t about gift giving or gift getting.
Exchanging gifts was just something the department
stores made up to stir the economy.
I was getting all stressed out fighting for parking spaces
and standing in line ups with overpriced gifts. Is it good
enough, is it thoughtful enough, did I spend too much or
not enough, will it fit, will she like it and on and on it
goes. Combing the crowded stores to buy something for
someone that has everything was the straw that broke
the camel’s back. There I was spending money I don’t
have on gifts people don’t need or want. What a waste.
We have corners full of stuff we got at Christmas that we
don’t use or never wear.
I feel like people are missing the point. Jesus was born in
a stable not a mall. The consumerism is out of hand. The
stores take advantage of panicked shoppers by jacking
prices and Boxing Day sales aren’t really sales. It’s just a
gimmick to sell more stuff. I’m not saying don’t Christmas
shop. I’m saying it’s your choice to make. I won’t be
forced into shopping by my family, society,
commercialism, my kids are anyone else. I’m literally not
buying it.
I’m not a Grinch either. I love Christmas and my heart is
open to celebrate the season with family and friends. I
just don’t shop. Frivolous spending is a choice not an
obligation. Now get out your wallet and put that smile
on your face. The stores are waiting for you.
Page 1 of 2
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