Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Materialistic (AN: chapter 5)

Remember The Reason For The Season

I agree with Lauren Smith’s essay. The holiday season is not materialistic. Yes some people may express their gratitude to their love ones through expensive gifts but this is not necessary. As Smith stated, “Each gift that is given or received is done so with love and selflessness.”  It doesn’t matter what kind of present your giving those dear to you. This gifts can be as small or as inexpensive as long as it comes from your heart. You can give cards, bake goods, personal letters or like what my little sister does, her drawings.
       Our family usually exchange gifts with each other. We will have our wish lists posted on our refrigerator, not listing the exact item but rather describing it such as, “Something red, something soft, something sweet.” In this case, we will always be surprise in what kind of gifts we’re going to get. I have five siblings, and none of them are working yet because they are still in grade school and high school. They are very creative with their gifts. Every christmas I will receive candies, letters, drawings and something inexpensive but very nice and thoughtful. See? you don’t have to spend a lot to show your love to your family. Every Christmas Eve, we will wait for the clock to strike midnight and then we will sing a happy birthday song to Jesus, give thanks and exchange gifts. My mother will prepare foods for us to share while waiting for 12 midnight. We share stories, watch a movie, play board games and share a sparkling cider or two. My mom and dad will share their wine of course.
       
During holidays, my mother makes long distance phone calls to her siblings in the Philippines. We also get to see our cousins from the Philippines through webcam chats. Sometimes we will have family reunions during holidays. We will go to San Francisco to be with my relatives or to San Diego and spend Christmas with them or vise versa. For my family, holidays specially Christmas are the time where we are able to spend some time with our love ones. Being together eating and creating fun memories with your love ones are the best part of the season.

6 comments:

  1. I agree with Smith as well. It's not about the gifts, its what comes from the heart. Sounds like you and your family are very close as all families should be. :)

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  2. It would be great if we all had the same feeling about getting gift from the heart. Some people only give them because they feel obligated.

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  3. I also agree with Smith, gifts comes from love and appreciation. I think that's cool how your family would make lists and describe what they want. Its different but seems fun :)

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  4. It's so neat that although your family has a wishlist each Christmas you guys don't state what you specifically want but something describing what you'd like. Such a great idea!

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  5. I agree that Christmas isn't about all about the expensive gifts, but what's given from your loved ones. Even if it's something simple like your sister's drawing, it's from her heart.

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  6. Christmas has never been about the gifts but it was more of a holiday where family gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus for those believe in Christ. I really don't understand where the gifts came about. But in all honesty it nice that you guys give because you guys want.

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