By now I'm sure you've seen all of the new Christmas commercials. You know the ones I mean, where the man wakes up on Christmas morning only to look out into the driveway and see a brand new luxury car with a big red ribbon on top. Or better yet, the commercial that shows a man who isn't sure what to get his wife for Christmas. After looking everywhere he is delighted to relaize that the best present to give his wife is a beautiful diamond.
What is the deal lately with commercials that make people feel that if they don't spend thousands of dollars on Christmas presents then they will be letting their loved ones down? For most of us, a $50,000 luxury vehicle is not an impulse Christmas gift purchase. In fact, I really wonder about their marriages. Because, if I had a partner, I would expect purchases carrying that sort of price tag to happen only after a long discussion and a mutual agreement. Don't surpise me with "Merry Christmas, here is some lovely debt!". And these days, to be honest, who can really afford a $1000 diamond pendant? Personally, I don't want to be saddled with debt or feel like someone else is spending a great deal of money on me. So why is it that corporate America is on a crusade to make us all feel bad about not giving extravagant gifts this Christmas?
For those of us who are unemployed, underemployed, or just getting back to work, Christmas this year is looking pretty slim. This year, nobody on my Christmas list is getting a brand new car, diamond jewlery or even a trip to Jamaica. In fact, if commercials are any indication, everyone on my list will be very upset when they receive boxes of homemade cookies and Christmas treats. Even though Christmas cookies are delicious and my friends act as though they actually look forward to receiving them.
I think, we should all go back to the idea that the holidays are a time for sharing peace, love and joy with everyone. It doesn't matter how much money you have, those things are completely free, and sometimes even harder to give than material things. This season, instead of going into debt to buy the latest and greatest gadget, why not give a blessing to someone less fortunate than yourself? Instead of buying things for people that you know they won't need, may not like or may not have any use for, try giving something to someone in need. There are many places where you can give a donation in somone's name, or buy a box of food for a needy family.
What are you planning to give this year? Let me know in the comments.
Are you looking for a job job in Retail? Be sure to visit RetailGigs.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!