<p>So, I moved to America five years ago from a highly religious country. Although it was religious, I always remember Christmas to be fun. No one could afford gifts, but heck, we party like crazy. I remember sitting on the ground laughing as my uncle lit the fireworks and waiting for my best friends to come over so we can go caroling. I cherish those memories more than any laptop or materialistic belonging I have.
Now that I moved to American, I see things in another light. People seem to be more materialistic. For example, the mad rush for gifts? People expect gifts more than spending a perfect day with their loved ones and having fun. To be honest it made me a little sick. My cousins ( age 3-22) pretty much ripped the wrappers under 10 sec to snatch the present within. It was sickening.
Does anyone else recognize this beside me? I totally hate Christmas in America. Who needs presents when you could have the best day, a perfect memory with those you love the most.</p>
<p>Being from a lower-class family helps here in America 
We don’t get much in the way of gifts, but we appreciate it all and spend the day with our family.</p>
<p>Let’s stop the stereotyping. (I’m not biased: I don’t even celebrate Christmas.)</p>
<p>Christmas in America is despicable since it becomes more of a holiday that companies of consumer goods exploit. It is true that spending time with family is better than receiving presents.</p>
<p>I raugh out roud at the american christmas (for what it mostly is)
I am not christian.</p>
<p>I’m not Christian either, but let’s not generalize American people who celebrate Christmas into materialistic and shallow consumers. Sure, there are some people like that, BUT MOST AREN’T.</p>
<p>Christmas is lost to me honestly as my family isn’t actively involved with our religion.</p>
<p>Ever since the “traditions” stopped it just became a birthday in all honesty. We get no snow here in the Midwest (in Missouri at least) and I find decorating pretty tacky. This Christmas I really wrecked the spirit by asking for pure cash from my parents. This was a mistake as opening things are more fun in my opinion. What I would do for the Christmases of yesterday.</p>
<p>chocolatebanana</p>
<p>Every kid in america thinks of a fat guy and presents when told “christmas”. Most of them dont even know the meaning behind it, not to mention it isnt even the correct birthday of jesus in their religion! It makes no sense at all, and their holiday is an excuse for presents in my opinion.</p>
<p>You guys are acting as if you’re superior to the rest of our country because you celebrate a holiday differently. If you don’t want any presents, that’s cool, but don’t spoil it for a bunch of little children because they don’t get the “true meaning”–which could be interpreted dozens of different ways–of Christmas.</p>
<p>It’s totally fine for me for whatever ways you want to celebrate Christmas, whether your Christian or not. Same goes for how you want to believe in . What irks me though is that the “true” meaning is not widely celebrated. ( Heck, I just spend throwing a Christmas for my close friends, both who are not Christian) Not all Americans are materialistic, but a large majority are. I was trying to get the point that its better to love, share memories, to live a life free of WANT WANT WANT. Children could hope all they want for Santa, but what would these children ultimately become? Adults right? Adults who would do the same and pass on their traits of Wanting more just for the sake of wanting something. The true meaning, which cheesy Christmas movies also represent, never get passed across. Is it really better to celebrate a Christmas based on buying good? As for me, no, but then thats my honest opinion.</p>
<p>Of course, there’s also the thrill of giving a present and knowing you’ve made someone happy. </p>
<p>But no one mentions that, either.</p>
<p>It would be awesome if we could stop vilifying “a large majority” (really?) of Americans for being “materialistic” (quotations for emphasis).</p>
<p>I like Christmas because of Santa claus. 
I’m sorry if it makes you sick.</p>
<p>Frankly, Christmas is my favorite holiday because we get a long break, it’s winter, and likely (though less likely in recent years) there’s snow.</p>
<p>i’m not Christian but i celebrate Christmas with the same festivity and joy as many Christians do and yes i completely agree with you. while many people find joy in gifts and shopping i find the best joys exist in spending time with family or helping those in need. today for example i decided to go with a few friends and sing christmas carols to sick patients in a hospital- and i’ve gotta admit there’s no feeling of joy greater than that of seeing someone smile.</p>
<p>It’s become a secular holiday, for sure, but there’s something nice about everyone drawing together under one roof to celebrate. And though I don’t believe in Jesus, my family is Christian and I, strangely enough, absolutely love midnight service at church.</p>