So, which of us disciples are rejecting the materialism of the "Christmas season?"

[ProVobis]

I have a friend whose family INSISTS on re-gifting.

That’s fine as long as it doesn’t end up in the original hands. That can really make that person feel unappreciated. But I guess it could be worse.

 

[pianistclare]

That’s fine as long as it doesn’t end up in the original hands. That can really make that person feel unappreciated. But I guess it could be worse.

 

[sirach2v4]

I started this thread and I’d like to update anybody who’s reading with my I-told-you-so experience.

So,I decided to shop online, as that’s the only place I can get the items I wanted (I think).

Now, you have to understand that I have a p.o.box and I have my parcels shipped to the box. Now, a lot of people don’t know about this, that you can do it. I had to sign up for this service, and it seemed to be working for two years…until the Christmas season shopping started this year.

I ordered boots, pants, a jacket, books, and shirts so far, and they have all been delivered via my p.o.box

EXCEPT… I ordered some LEGO toys which supposedly have been delivered directly to the dock of the post office. But, guess what? ALL the LEGO toys I ordered, which came in three different shipments, were, I’ve been told, “LOST” in the mail. Now, they were never really IN the mail, because they were delivered by UPS TO the post office. so, the “mail” in which they were lost was right there.

I bought two $199.95 Ferris wheels for two young boys and some other accessories. WHAT A COINCIDENCE – all the LEGOs and ONLY the LEGOs were “LOST” at the post office. So, now it’s Sunday and tomorrow I’m heading down to darken the doorstep of the postmaster, to submit a claim for the $464 worth of merchandise that was “LOST” in the one hundred feet between the receiving dock and my post office box.

So, I’ve been robbed by the post office. Now, to stay cool-headed when I do down there tomorrow. The FBI office is three blocks away, incidentally. I don’t know who investigates these things, but I’m going to push this as far as I can.

 

[EricF]

A couple of years ago, the adults in my family started a new tradition (for us anyway). We take the money we would have spent, and donate it to a charity in the other person’s name. First year was cancer research. Last year it was food banks and soup kitchens. This year is donor’s choice.

 

[phil19034]

That’s fine as long as it doesn’t end up in the original hands. That can really make that person feel unappreciated. But I guess it could be worse.

I have one of the worst re-gifting stories.

When I was a kid (somewhere between 10 and my early teens) my aunt used Pepsi points to get free Pepsi tee shirts and gave them to us as Christmas gifts.

I was so insulted.

First because she basically regifted junk to me and (2) because she lived in an expensive house and had money.

To this day, she’s still a horrible gift giver.

 

[FollowChrist34]

Excluding those who don’t have funds to indulge themselves, who HAS money but is sitting out the spending frenzies this shopping season, for religious reasons?

although I think it’s a total distraction from the religious significance, I’ve taken the plunge once again into the spending whirlwind.

It’s one thing to hold back from spending, but a lot of people’s jobs depend on us spending money (and lots of it) at this time of year.

I buy things on sale for myself this time of year. I shop online because I hate crowds and it saves so much time/driving, etc., but we have a real problem with thefts in our neighborhood - people take packages off porches. So I also worry a little bit - so far so good. My neighbor caught the last thief on camera and sent her (yes, her, teenager) picture all around - she then left a dummy package with a note, which was stolen by a second thief. Anyway, the ring or whatever they are has stopped for now (I hope); I’ve bought botanical flannel sheets and a nice little wall clock for the living room that is coming.

For my family I just bring something small, nice bottle of wine, candle or flowers. (or cook something - cookies, brownies, etc.) Something usable. We don’t insist on all buying for all - wouldn’t think of it. It is just a time to get together and catch up, eat great food. (think “high pagan” )