Christmas Commercialism Anxiety

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This time of year, I have a hard time not feeling the stress of the season. I may seem like a Scrooge, but the store papers, commercials, and emails are constantly screaming, “Buy more stuff!”

There is already too much stuff in our house, let alone the aftermath of Christmas. I dread coming home from family members' houses with bags and bags of “junk.” I know they mean well and want to show their love for us, but most years, I wish presents weren't part of it. We don't really need anything and are very blessed. I feel like presents get in the way of the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus only received three gifts, yet we receive many.

The “give me” attitude is at its prime during the month of December. I often feel the opposite, cringing at the questioning minds of what I want for Christmas and fearing getting gifts I don't want. I try to remind myself where they are coming from and the heartfelt person behind the gifts.

Regardless of meditating on those facts, I feel like a horrible, ungrateful person.

Growing up, there was the magic of Santa Claus and what would be under the tree in the morning. We didn't go to church on Christmas and I do not even know if I really understood its true meaning. I never was given a good explanation of why it was such an important holiday.

I did not grow up Catholic, so I have a really hard time understanding what our son does comprehend. He is very focused on getting presents, like a lot of kids, but I don't want material things to be the main feature.

I am very open about why I don't like Christmas, but maybe I should focus more on why I like Christmas. Maybe positive reinforcement would steer his mind away from the present aspect of Christmas. How do you handle any material attitudes in your families?