Response to Might Bargain Hunter
November 24th, 2007 | by rocketc |One of my favorite personal finance blogs is Mighty Bargain Hunter, however his post from yesterday might tend more toward miserliness than bargains.
I fully recognize and accept that Christmas is overcommercialized, but let us not throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater. Overcommercialization does not have to steal the joy that my family derives from decorating the house together, baking (eating) cookies, going for walks in the snow or being with family. When we drive somewhere this time of year, my three and four year olds are shouting with glee at every set of Christmas lights that they spy.
Overcommercialization does not have to ruin my gift giving – I personally don’t really need any gifts, but I love going out and finding the perfect item for my kids or wife. Yet, if our paramount concern in life were to hang on to every penny, then Christmas will be a fearful time of year. One of my goals in using money wisely throughout the year is so I can enjoy it when the time is right. Christmastime in our family is focused on Christ, but this does not eliminate the other cultural and family traditions surrounding the holiday.
Money is not an end in itself, but rather a tool to use in service to God and others. The holidays provide a great opportunity for both.
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3 Responses to “Response to Might Bargain Hunter”
By mbhunter on Nov 25, 2007 | Reply
Why, I oughta …
I’m kidding. This is good. (And I’m glad you enjoy my blog, by the way.)
The post’s title was a question, and the answer could be “Uhh, no MBH, you’re full of evil,” which is what some people thought. For me, personally, I could take or leave most typical Christmas traditions. I’d be more than happy just going to church on Christmas Day and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus (which is what we actually do). I’m not good at picking out gifts and I feel lame giving what I do find most of the time.
If others have been doing these things and truly can’t see Christmas without decorating the tree or getting a lot of gifts, then that’s fine. But if they’ve been doing things thoughtlessly and don’t see any value in getting a tree or never hear from anyone they write cards to, then that’s also a valid position and it’s an opportunity to save money if they just give it up.
By rocketc on Nov 25, 2007 | Reply
I understand you a bit better now.
I think thst sometimes we overreact to negatives in our culture. For instance, athletics are another thing that our culture certainly overvalues, but I know some who instead of taking a moderate approach, decide to reject anything having to do with sports and thus loose what can be an enjoyable part of our culture in the process.
I think this is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – overcommecialization has not diminished the focus on giving thanks and spending time with family.