Users Online Now:
2,022
(
Who's On?
)
Visitors Today:
754,309
Pageviews Today:
1,004,078
Threads Today:
268
Posts Today:
4,078
08:41 AM
Directory
Adv. Search
Topics
Forum
Back to Forum
Back to Thread
REPLY TO THREAD
Subject
POLL: Wife asks me tonight, "What if Christmas 'thank you' cards really said what we thought?"
User Name
Font color:
Default
Dark Red
Red
Orange
Brown
Yellow
Green
Olive
Cyan
Blue
Dark Blue
Indigo
Violet
Black
Font:
Default
Verdana
Tahoma
Ms Sans Serif
In accordance with industry accepted best practices we ask that users limit their copy / paste of copyrighted material to the relevant portions of the article you wish to discuss and no more than 50% of the source material, provide a link back to the original article and provide your original comments / criticism in your post with the article.
[quote:Anonymous Coward 48399690:MV8yNzU4MzI1XzQ4MTAwMDEyXzNBNkVDOEM1] This problem with giving "gifts" at this time of year (or any other time): 1. "Gifts" are EXPECTED, to be given AND received. Especially if you "give" one, one is expected to be received in return (payment FOR "giving" one)- of equal or greater value. So, is it a game of who can out do the other and look better? Guilt? Is it greed - what will I get this year that I WANT? It usually works out like this, for the most part, I spend $20.00 on a gift for someone (not necessarily what they want or truly NEED, because I haven't spent that much time with them, or getting to know them, or really care that much about them, to actually KNOW the above, or I don't really have the money to spend on a "gift",etc. etc.) Then they do the same and spend the same $20.00 on a "gift" that I do not need and it is not what I would have purchased for myself. SO, why don't each each just spend that $20.00 on themselves, getting what they truly need or want, saving the hassle and all the garbage about "thoughtlessness","they are cheap", time spent on buying something for the sake of giving a "gift", etc. They both would have saved each other all of the above and now have what they want or need. 2. Not all people are on the same financial ground and cannot spend a lot on "gifts", so they do the best they can with the limited amount of money that they have (and really don't need to spend it on "gifts"). Others like to give the big things for show and then take a condescending attitude when they receive a lesser "gift" from those who are not as financially well off as they are. 3. If you are expecting a "gift" why tell each other what you WANT as a "gift"? A "gift" is something that someone gives you with NO expectations of something being given to them in return. Why not give to those that you know need something, find out WHAT they need or want (they may not have the money to purchase such things). Gifts do not have to be purchased- time, care, love, etc. What would say more, a $20.00/cheap gift that is purchased because I am EXPECTED to "give" one, even if I can't afford it and can't get the one that I would want to give so I have to settle for this cheap thing - or I don't really care about you/know you/spend time with you and am doing this because it is, again, expected of me? OR, would you appreciate them spending time with you, getting to know you,doing things with you because they want and care about you, being a true friend or a beloved family member? If you don't really want or care about people and you don't want them in your lives because they are users, abusers, cons, selfish, greedy, or, because they are of no use to YOU for whatever reason, and have no desire for them to be a part of your life, and you have no time for them, then why do you bother getting them a "gift", it means nothing. Spend that money on yourself and get what you really want, they can do the same. 4. Kids are being taught that this time of year is for them to get all they WANT and it is expected to be given to them or it will "spoil" their "christmas". That it is cruel and sad that they do not get even a cheap "gift" at this time of year. Kids don't need all that useless stuff, they need the love and care of family and friends, memories that don't cost anything. 5. For those that "celebrate" the religious aspect of the season - It was the people that gave gifts to Yeshua. They didn't give "gifts" to each other in "celebration" of His birth. Example: When it is someone's birthday (not saying Dec. 25th is His), do you give and expect "gifts" from everyone else at the "party",telling them what you WANT from them, while ignoring the actual person who has the birthday? "Gift" giving the way it is done now is just selfish and greedy. We do not celebrate "christmas" as it is, and has become anymore for these reasons. We value the people in our lives more than that. And, if we see throughout the year that they NEED anything, or desire something that they would never purchase for themselves because of financial or other reasons, we would either get it for them, or help them in getting it. But most of all we desire and give the gift of valuing them, spending time with them, being there for them. And no, nothing is expected in return - it is a true gift.This after many years of doing it the way it is done now and seeing the uselessness of it. If you want to "celebrate" the season with how it is done now and are fine with that, then put on a smile and don't complain with what you get or that your expectations were not met(did you meet theirs, or care to?). Is it about the person (you or the other), the gift (given or received) or neither? [/quote]
Original Message
And we came up with this letter that we will never ever send...
Dear Dad, Thank you for the fluffy blankets and pillows you gave to our daughters. If it's the thought that counts, in the Spirit of the Season our kids were very generous and regifted them to their teenaged friends who haven't stopped living in lilac and pink "little girl" rooms.
We also appreciated the workbench from Harbor Freight and gave it to our eldest's boyfriend. He will love it until a potmetal carriage bolt shears off from day to day usage and he has to throw it away. The 2XL neon glow hoodies from your brother would have been nice if my children were boys. These also were appreciated by the boyfriend.
My mother-in-law on my wife's side is now enjoying the faux Adirondack rocker chair from Harbor Freight. It's wide enough to fit her butt, and heavy enough it stays on the ground when she stands up. I'm not sure where she'll find replacement screws though once it begins to fall apart. She doesn't have a Harbor Freight in her town.
Though I don't put out Christmas lights, thank you for the waterproof extension cord connector covers. I'll most likely just throw those away, unless someone takes them at the New Years Eve party.
All in all, we appreciate your gifts this year. It kept us from having to think too much about what we were going to give to those on our B List. I'm already looking forward to the Faded Glory longsleeve shirt and Rustler jeans I'll be receiving for my birthday in July. I hear they're on sale now at WalMart. Flannel is my absolute favorite for Independence Day.
Best regards,
Your Son.
Ready to write your letter?
Pictures (click to insert)
General
Politics
Bananas
People
Potentially Offensive
Emotions
Big Round Smilies
Aliens and Space
Friendship & Love
Textual
Doom
Misc Small Smilies
Religion
Love
Random
View All Categories
|
Next Page >>