What are you getting your family, friends, spouse, gay lover this Christmas?

[Captain Mostly]

Me and my gay lover (or "Rob" as I sometimes call him) got stuck in a generosity competition this year. I ended up getting him a load of kitcheny stuff in chrome, a pair of cuff-links, the new kylie album and a large cuddly gorilla. This just about left me around £40 more generous than him, so I won. "HA HA HA IN YOUR FACE LOSER BOY!" I didn't say.

I got my mum "Death and the Penguine" and my dad some comic book.

My brother and sister are getting virtual reality games. Sam's getting the ninja one, and Emma's getting the driving one.

[Timosity]

Everyones getting movie vouchers from me, everyone likes movies, and it saves much time thinking & shopping. One day I'll get more adventurous but I can't stand shopping on a normal day, so shopping at christmas can just get flossed.

I hope people are more thoughtful for me, I'd love heaps of movie vouchers.

[Femme Stab Mode >:D]

Well, I bought my mum an electric mixer she wanted instead of chocolate. After shaking and sniffing the boxes under the tree I now know that I am getting a DVD, a CD, and a box of chocolates.

[Pessi]

I actually didn't get anyone presents this Christmas. I share the same view with AlexisVale. I don't think buying presents is right when you're basically forced to do it. Therefore I'll save my money (the little I've got) and instead be more generous in everyday life to those that matter to me and try to enjoy the day with my family. Even though I might prefer if my friends were around. Anyway, I can help people out with real issues rather than just give them some objects. Especially when the object would be something that I might not think they really need, just something to prevent them from being disappointed. It just doesn't seem right to me. It's a funny thing how my family doesn't get my viewpoint but my friends do.

Anyway, as sidenotes, I enjoyed your essay on the subject AlexisVale. And additionally, CJ is once again right. It's like Christmas every day when Chris Jones is around. Honestly. Rock on.

[Robert Eric]

I see Christmas as a trading period.  You give someone something, they give you something back.

[earlwood]

I am giving my family the gift of giving this holiday, they get to experience 'giving' towards me, It's a real money saver eh.

[Raven_Gray]

Christmas is seriously the worst and best holiday in the world, right after Valentine's Day. I hate that day. Reminds me how lonely I am. My gay lover left me so I guess I'm not getting anything from him this year. *sniffle* As to everyone else, CHRISTMAS? Bah Humbug! Yes, humbug I say! All my relatives get together and get drunk and I hate it. Last year, and I am being compleatly serious (no....I really am...) my mom and aunt got so wasted that they argued for an hour about why Jesus was gay and Amelia Airheart was actually a man. And the worst part is I just have to sit there through the whole thing. Christmas! Ha! *storms off to his room to count his pennies and slams the door behind him*

After shaking and sniffing the boxes under the tree...

Lmao  

[Captain Mostly]

People joke about it, but I REALLY DO get wops loads of satisfaction from giving someone a well thought out present which I know will surprise and enhappy them.

[Pessi]

Hey, there's nothing wrong with giving presents when you really want to. But the fact is, at Christmas most people buy presents just because they have to. Many wouldn't buy gifts if they didn't know they're going to get something back. And that's not a gift. As RobertEric said, it's trading.

[Igor]

I wouldn't say it's trading... it's more of an ritual.

Gifts really are the center of this holiday when you are little, but later everything becomes more of an symbolic thing- and so do presents.
I don't really care about gifts (or religious undertone), but i kinda like the spirit around this time... that is, until i enter shopping center

[Nixxon]

Fuck all! I am this years designated grinch... mwoohahahaa

[Gonzo]

I like being generous and getting people presents when I know they're going to love them...I don't really feel forced into buying things and it's just once a year. I'm no Christmas-hater. No point being tight about presents, as you get stuff back. It's like a trade as RobertEric says.

[Nixxon]

Obviously you've never forked out 350 big ones to buy your bro an amp and in return received a years supply of bath suds  

[Timosity]

Yeah, I agree with Igor in a way, It's totally different at different agaes.

When you don't have much money, it's silly to fork out money you can't afford. If it was up to me, that no presents thingy would be sweet, but it does go far beyond the commercial side, it's just unfortunate.

The best solution would be to agree to not buy presents for christmas and then go sick at the sales the day after or during January, you'd be sure to spend at least half as much and get the same quality shit. How dumb are we all.

[Darth Mandarb]

I think Christmas has gotten far too commercial ... but, as it's an American spawned tradition, what do you expect?  For me it's more about the (as Igor said) spirit of the season.  Sure most have forgotten what Christmas is about but since it's not really Christ's b-day ... well ... I guess it's okay

Mom: A gold anklet and an Egyptian Throw for her new couches.
Dad: Caller ID Globe and a window thermometer.
Brother: A game controller for the PC, the Atari Joystick with 10 games, and a DVD (Critters)
Girlfriend: A DVD player, a crap load of DVDs, socks, shower/body lotions (cucumber melon), a Swedish Chef doll, The Hitchhiker's Guide Bible (all 6 books in one), sleeping clothes, and some stuff I won't tell you about.

I always go overboard but I love giving gifts to people.

I really, honestly, don't care if I get nothing in return ... giving makes me happy!  Tis the season!

Merry Christmas!!

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