Where's The True Holiday Spirit?

The day after thanksgiving usually signals the beginning of the holiday shopping season and this year was no exception. People lined up for hours braving the elements to get the first shot at “doorbuster” deals all across the country. What this leads to many times is people behaving like savages over places in line or the right to get the latest hot item for a good price. Times like these make me wonder, where has the holiday spirit gone? People seem to be more concerned about the material things and forgetting the true meaning of the holidays.

The people at my job decided to hold a Secret Santa gift exchange this year and I enthusiastically decided to be a part of it. One week after signing up, I noticed that someone had come up with a wish list where people could write down some suggestions for people giving them presents. It seemed like a good idea in case you got someone you didn’t know well. I was surprised to see, however, that most of my co-workers had written down that they wished to receive gift cards. With the limit being thirty dollars, many of these people specifically wrote down that they wanted thirty dollar gift cards, with some even specifying what store. This whole thing was just ridiculous to me because I asked the people asking for gift cards what they planned on giving as a gift and most responded by saying “A gift card”. WTF? If you’re going to give a gift card and hope to receive a gift card OF THE SAME VALUE, then why even join? You’re just exchanging money and to me, a gift card just doesn’t have the same sentimental value as a gift someone actually put some thought into.

Because of this, I had thoughts about pulling out of the gift exchange. But I figured I would just do my part and hope that the person I got would appreciate a gift that I chose for her (luckily, she actually put some helpful suggestions). I hope that as we get deeper into the holiday season, people remember that these times about more than just shopping. They are about spending time with loved ones and celebrating what is good about life.

I Hate Loving You

When you and I first met that May of 2004, you were unlike any other I had ever seen. Your inner beauty was equally matched by the outer beauty that attracted me to you. Whenever we were together, heads turned. It was amazing. It hasn’t been an easy ride of either of us, but I fear that our time together is slowly, but surely, coming to an end. My affection, my unconditional loyalty, have not been reciprocated in the past months. I hate to say this, but I did the unthinkable and sought in others what you no longer gave me. Yes, Chevy Tahoe, I will no longer put up with this crap of you not being there for me when I need you the most! But it’s so hard to leave you after all we’ve been through together.

I never thought it would come to this, but I am seriously considering getting a new car. The craziness known as high gas prices coupled with the fact that my Tahoe is greatly contributing to the cause of global warming were making me consider trading it in for a smaller, more fuel efficient car. While I was driving back home one weekend, I noticed my brakes were not functioning like they once were. Weeks later, I took it to the shop weeks later after noticing the problem had worsened. The good folks there informed me that it would take 1,800 freakin dollars to fix my problems! That’s a decent down payment for a lease in some cases. Were they kidding me? I didn’t have the money at the moment, so I declined the service for now so I could go to the parents for some advice.

Fast forward to the present and here I am, convinced that I am going to get a new car. I hate thinking about it though. Although it’s not my first car, I have grown extremely attached to this piece of junk. Every scratch hurt as if it had been a scratch on my body. I have made my decision, but it is not effective immediately. I’ll probably wait until the new year comes in and I find a better paying job so that I can afford this new car. In the meantime, I will reflect on all of our good times together while looking forward to the prospect of having a new toy to play with in the coming months. Even after all we’ve been through, it will always have a special place in my heart.

Image credit: www.chase-1.com