The holidays aren’t just about gifts. Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of people – faith, family, charity. Hanukkah, which came at the end of November this year, shares many of those same qualities. Kwanzaa, a relative newcomer, celebrates culture and the bounty of the harvest. Ask anyone – well, any adult – what the most important part of their family’s celebration is, and many would hesitate saying it’s about the presents.
And yet the crowds that fill the malls and shopping centers suggest that gift-giving is a big part of the season. The image of the frazzled shopper rushing against the clock to fill everyone’s wish list has become such a modern-day icon that it begs the question: Why do we do this to ourselves?
For some of us, the answer is simple: We enjoy it. We really do.
At Capital District Parent Pages, we think holiday shopping has gotten a bad rap. From Black Friday stampedes to bidding wars over the latest must-have toys, the focus seems to be on the very worst attributes of this annual tradition. However, there is much to love about it too: the bustling crowds, the plaintive strains of “Silver Bells” piping through department store speakers, the clever decorations and displays, the thrill of imagining your child’s face when she opens up her new favorite toy on Christmas morning
That said, we heartily advocate shopping within your means and steering your dollars toward items that connect you to the recipient in a meaningful way. Check out our gift guide here for some cost-effective ideas to get you started. And above all, have fun shopping but don’t forget to let faith, family and charity play a central role in your celebration, because without those things, all gift giving rings a little hollow.