Let me start by saying that I am NOT anti-Christmas. However, I do agree with A.W. Pink when it comes to the burden our Christmas traditions can put on many people. If one has the means and ability to give gifts I am all for it, but, we should never give Christmas gifts because we feel obligated to give them. Even more, may we never expect a "return" on the gifts we do give.
"There are those who DO abstain from some of the grosser carnalities of the "festive season," yet are they nevertheless in cruel bondage to the prevailing custom of "Christmas", namely that of exchanging "gifts." We say "exchanging", for that is what it really amounts to in many cases. A list is kept, either on paper or in memory, of those from whom gifts were received last year, and that for the purpose of returning the compliment this year. Nor is this all—great care has been taken that the "gift" made to the friend is worth as much in dollars and cents as the one they expect to receive from him or her. Thus, with many who can ill afford it, a considerable sum has to be set aside each year with which to purchase things simply to send them out in RETURN for others which are likely to be received. Thus a burden has been bound on them which not a few find hard to bear" A.W. Pink.
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