Issue Three: Resistance Isn’t Futile

Okay, like I said, bear with me.

You and I both know that the traditions of giving festive gifts aren’t rooted in expectation or obligation. (Those are modern constructs—the guilt-inducing manipulations of consumerism, obviously.) 

And telling kids that, if they’re good, Father Christmas will bring them whatever they ask for, is more than a bit problematic, don’t you think? I mean, what are we setting young people up to believe? 

Then there’s the pressure we’re putting on present-givers if they can’t just magic-up the latest everyone’s-got-one, I-really-need-one, things. The rising debt. 

Do I need to mention the plastic? Or the energy used in the never-ending production and distribution of stuff? What about the vulnerable people being exploited and abused to make it (let’s not pretend they’re elves)? And the waste. SO MUCH WASTE.

 The truth is, kids don’t need those kinds of presents. They need love and understanding. Our time, our belief in them. Things we all need, and that you can’t buy.

 So, why don’t we rekindle the idea that the best presents are thoughtfully-chosen tiny treasures. That what we really need is each other. 

And that, if we’re good to the planet and share things equitably, we’ll have the resources for everyone to live comfortably, wherever they want to, for centuries to come. 

In other words, it’s not you, Santa, it’s what we’ve made you. So, while we’re at it, let's rethink the old-beardy-omniscient-white-dude-burglar thing. It’s creepy, and coercive as hell. 

Anyhow, yours in hope,

Grown-up me

PS If you’re reading this wailing, ‘but think of the children’, I’m pretty sure I am. Are you?