Holiday Spending

The Holiday season is a time of giving, and apparently, giving means spending. In 2012, the average family spent $854 on Christmas gifts. To most, this number is far too much and I’m guessing that the majority of these families didn't realize how much they spent until afterwards. I think this is important because it shows how people, for once, aren't conscious about their money. With the economy the way it is, people are stingy with their money more than ever. I think it’s very relieving to see that the average family is still willing to spend on the people that they care about. It’s easy to take a step back and look at the staggering 135.16 billion spent on Christmas in 2010 and laugh at the excessive nature of our country, but giving gifts is not necessarily excessive. Giving a gift is an act of love, appreciation, and gratitude. The friendly atmosphere of the Christmas season is priceless, even if that price is high. Now, every cent spent on Christmas is not a financially wise investment. The 13.24 billion spent on cards and the 13.34 billion spent on decorations are absurdly high numbers. Those are the numbers that characterize society’s excess. Giving gifts is a pastime that shows love between friends and family, sending cards and decorating doesn't have the same value.