Attack of the "Gimme Bug"! 
Several years, as the holidays approached, I read an article detailing a "disease" running wild in America. It's called affluenza, a term a sociologist coined to describe our country's insatiable appetite for material consumption. While affluenza's prevalent year round, the "gimme bug" is epidemic as Christmas approaches.
As extravagant Christmas trees emerged in store windows and holiday music cackled ...
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Related Topics:
Charity, Christmas, Consumption, Donations, Generosity, Greed, Holidays, Materialism, Sharing
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Average User Rating:
Hope Ferguson
Great article, and very moving. We cannot, indeed, surpass the Lord's lavish gift. I also have started celebrating Advent and Christmas with a focus on simplicity, and not so much the "winter festival" that takes place this time of year (although when done in balance, there's nothing wrong with the lights, sparkle, gifts and feasting during this time either.)
Joyce Frank(Registered User)
Wow! I love this story of generosity! Much, much to consider! We are blessed, so we have so much to share!
Sherry Jones
This year, in honor of our Lord, we will be purchasing propane or electricity for a family on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Our children and grandchildren will receive a card telling them that they have donated a gift in their name to one or more families who are without heat, electricity, or food. We do this through ONESpirit.org They need help too if anyone is interested. Children and Elders need sponsors for all year long, not just Christmas. In His Service, Sherry
Tracy Pace
Good article. I don't think Jesus would approve of our over-spending in his name, didn't he say if you give a feast do it for the poor....I have decided no more Christmas for me, I will write a cheque to an international charity and no more buying gifts and cards for Christmas/hanukkah- I can do those things every other day of the year where necessary and more in a spirit of genuine caring and thoughtfulness than duty or tradition. The holidays induce more panic and disappointment than holiness and peace for me in recent years! Time to return to simplicity...
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