Comments on: Love Amidst Consumerism

By: Malo

Malo — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:40:47 +0000

Belinda, thank you for always coming up with timely and refreshing stories.

The true meaning of Christmas tends to get lost in consumerism. It started when we were kids, and then we’ve acquired the habit as we mature, and before we know it, we’re caught in this vicious cycle of frenzy gift giving. I’m sure that most of us would really just want to spend quality time with the people we care.

We should remember the days when we had no means to splurge, when getting together and sharing a midnight meal while listening to Christmas carolers were enough. Those were happy memories.

By: Bob Bessette

Bob Bessette — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:57:11 +0000

Belinda,
I’m so glad I got to know you this past year. You are a true jewel out there in that you can certainly get across your point in unparalleled fashion. I agree with you that it did seem to me that there was a positivity out there this past season during the shopping season. I don’t buy a lot as it is mostly done by my wife but there was a friendliness that I haven’t experienced in years past.
I look forward to reading your blog in the coming year and I want to wish much “joy” to you and yours this year!

Best,
Bob

By: Madeleine

Madeleine — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:30:01 +0000

I enyoyed reading this because I also have an aversion to shopping. My daughter has taken to sending me an email with links to a gift or two which she’d like.

But this year I did no shopping at all. My BF and I are in the midst of moving to the east coast where he starts a new job in a few weeks. My daughter is going to Europe to work on a project as part of her studies and sensibly asked for some money for the trip.

All so exciting, stressful and exhausting that we couldn’t manage a traditional celebration. But we’ll have lots to celebrate in a month or so. Happy New Year, Belinda!

By: Fr. Michael

Fr. Michael — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:08:04 +0000

Consumerism is part of our culture, particularly during this time of year. But, as you witnessed, maybe people are beginning to slow and down and trying to “be a light in the darkness” even in the midst of the Christmas frenzy. Thanks for sharing these insights.

Merry Christmas!

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:09:50 +0000

Belinda, thanks for sharing a remarkable experience! I ditto the reluctance to get caught up in the holiday shopping frenzy — but wow, you make me want to go out shopping just so I can also witness the warmth and kindness and goodness in that crowd of people, and have an experience of something I thought was long gone.

You wrote a REALLY GOOD THING today, applause applause!

By: Pop and Ice

Pop and Ice — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:08:03 +0000

A tea drinker with a Christmas attitude I can get behind! I did most of my shopping online this year which was relatively stress free. However, I do have to put in a few hours today to help my Dad purchase a gift for my daughter since he “thought” he ordered her something on Amazon (wrong – I checked his account). so I will brave the crowds today AND reward myself with a pedicure this evening. And be pleasant to sales help, but that’s my norm anyway.