What is Really "Necessary" Gift-Wise at Christmas?

[Johnfromokc]

Makes you think huh?

 

[Rawrrr]

This is why I don't go all out at xmas. There are far too many children, in every country, who are going without, and my kids don't need excessive crap. My eldest (11) has a sense of entitlement that would put paris hilton to shame. I've shown him documentaries about impoverished children, i've told him stories of my own poor childhood- nothing kicks in. He finished watching one docu about how children have to walk 5 miles in blazing heat to get dirty drinking water, had no toys, and didn't know where the hell their next meal was coming from- then stood up and asked to go get a Cheddar Baconator. When i refused, he tried to say he just couldnt eat ANYTHING else.

 

[Rawrrr]

I dont mean to sound like he's awful- he is a GREAT kid in just about every other respect.

This xmas, each child gets one big present, and two small ones. We're concentrating more on having a nice dinner and being together. To me, huge piles of presents, and trying to outdo other people is just a waste. There are people who wont get even a remote resemblance of that.

 

[darkcgi]

people who have not ever been in need to survive dont know what its like

 

[Joe the meek]

And the question would be to those who have, what are you going to do for Christmas for those who have not?

 

[Panacea]

Definitely a disgusting symptom of our culture's spell of materialism and competitiveness. Sad.

 

[Johnfromokc]

And the question would be to those who have, what are you going to do for Christmas for those who have not?

Nothing. They spent all their "discretionary" income on gifts from junkmart.

 

[Joe the meek]

Nothing. They spent all their "discretionary" income on gifts from junkmart.

Speak for yourself:tooth

 

[JuggsBunny]

We give generously year-round (not just money, but volunteer time, also). People are not just needy around the holidays.

That said, I'm pretty fucking sick of the entitlement mentality that some people and their children have.

How is this for shitty - a military "Angel" tree (for those military children whose parents cannot "afford" Christmas is currently in our local BX)... The mother comes in, wearing her Seven jeans, a large Dooney & Burke bag, with UGGS (not generic), flashing her new BMW key-bob - and has SIX envelopes to put on the "Angel" tree. For her kids. If she can afford to dress herself like that, she can afford to pay for Christmas for her children. FFS. I'd gladly pay for her to get her fucking legs sewn shut. That would be a great Christmas present for society.

 

[Johnfromokc]

Speak for yourself:tooth

Not talking about me homo Joe.

 

[Aeval]

That f-ing burns me Juggs. Our local food bank is frequented by a couple that pull up in their fancy, very expensive car...dressed to the nines and they go in shopping. People have tried to shame them, make them see that they should be contributing to the food bank, not take from it and they just see it as a service available....so sickening.

I gave to a food bank earlier today and felt pretty small...I gave what I could, but I realized that people are needy only at Christmas...exactly like you said. I was pretty ashamed of myself for feeling so charitable and good....I should do more....I will have to do more.

 

[MsPoppy]

Growing up we always got things like P.J.'s, robes, coats, gloves, and other stuff we really needed. I kind of gear my holiday buying that way...like this year I got my dad a wheelbarrel for his yardwork, and a small dollie he can keep in his car...both are things he can really use, and will, but won't buy for himself. Holidays are family and food times to me also. Sometimes that is high stress, but I like some tradition/ritual in my life so will bear the burden of sometimes burdenous personalities to keep that going. As far as giving, that is an ongoing thing, and for me, more my time than cash. Senior Centers and Boys and Girl's Clubs are two I most frequently give time to.

 

[JuggsBunny]

Aeval, you do what you can. When I didn't have a ton of money, I used to buy a couple of extra canned items ($4.00 worth) and throw in an extra box or two of Hamburger Helper or Mac and Cheese. I'd donate to our local food bank - and even though it wasn't a huge amount, it kept someone from going hungry for a couple of days at least. If everyone just donated a little, it ends up adding up and helping out a lot.

The people that you describe are very similar to some that I see here. They have no shame - they don't care. And they are the reason WHY some places make it very difficult to get a bag/box of food. Plenty of charities are now asking people to show how much they make (which makes it far less anonymous) in order to get help with food assistance (so they can actually help those who are in dire need).

 

[Aeval]

The policy here is "no one is refused" and can't see it being changed. It's a tough call...I like it the way it is, but I hate seeing it abused.

 

[Joe the meek]

That said, I'm pretty fucking sick of the entitlement mentality that some people and their children have.

How is this for shitty - a military "Angel" tree (for those military children whose parents cannot "afford" Christmas is currently in our local BX)... The mother comes in, wearing her Seven jeans, a large Dooney & Burke bag, with UGGS (not generic), flashing her new BMW key-bob - and has SIX envelopes to put on the "Angel" tree. For her kids. If she can afford to dress herself like that, she can afford to pay for Christmas for her children. FFS. I'd gladly pay for her to get her fucking legs sewn shut. That would be a great Christmas present for society.

But remember, for those who can afford but plead "poverty", there are those out there that really could use help.

The biggest dilemma I see is where to actually spend your time/money to help those truly in need.

One could also argue that those who don't ask may be more qualified to get. I seriously don't know.