Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you're giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
It always depresses me when people moan about how commercial Christmas is. I love everything about it. The tradition of having this great big feast, slap bang in the middle of winter, is an essential thing to look forward to at the end of the year.
Holidays have been commercialized. It has become about material things. But the holidays are about sharing stories and being in each other's presence.
Contemplating Christmas when you are isolated and far from home brings its own unique pain.
Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.
As we give presents at Christmas, we need to recognize that sharing our time and ourselves is such an important part of giving.
Christmas and the holidays are the season of giving. It's a time when people are more kind and open-hearted.
Sometimes when things you love get really commercial, you end up feeling betrayed by it.
The holidays are a way to get away from the pain of the year, creating something people can laugh at. That's a gift.
I spend my money on holidays and eating out, and it allows me to be generous.
For me, a good holiday is about value for money rather than things to see.