Christmas Spirit?

With all the media that exists in this world, I always find it extremely amusing the power of its influence. The newest and latest gadgets, with but a few choice words, become the must have items on every christmas list.

I haven't made a Christmas list since I was very young, back when I still believed in Santa. I can't remember when I stopped believing. Maybe because I didn't feel crushed or lied to. Perhaps it was very rational and materialistic of me, but I knew the gifts would be coming no matter whose name was on the tag.

This year, because I have become more of an independant from my parents, things were very different. Before, there wasn't much expected of me. I could buy whatever ratty nonsense I felt particularly inspired to buy for someone. This year, so much thought was put into it. It could not be random. I believe that in some way I did accomplish to give things that I felt people would really appreciate. That was far more satisfying. True, the process of selection wasn't so great.

But I do wonder, do others put as much thought or merely assume? I know that with my family, though we will never win awards for being perfect and content with one another, we are considerate. At least during the holidays, we can manage to set is all aside. Things don't change, but we are far more accepting. Any other time of year, should they hand you the same gift or card, it would not be received in the same manner. Yet for Chrismas we do make allowances. A sort of allowance for neutral peace and well-being.

What would happen if we ever applied that to all year round? The world would be a nicer place. Though it would undoubtedly implode or something.