Christmas is the time of presents, however what many people don’t realize, or at least are beginning to realize is that it truly is better to ‘give than it is to receive’. Comprehensive studies on gifting show that when it comes to gifts giving makes us happier than receiving (Dunn, Aknin and Norton (2008).
Further, research on those who enjoy Christmas the most (Kasser and Sheldon, 2002) shows that those who focus on family, friends, and the religious elements of Christmas have a happier experience than those who focus on the spending and consumerism. So this year we see the retailers complaining that it’s their worst Christmas in years. Retail spending is at an all time low we hear. I wonder then if that means on balance this will be the happiest Christmas for some time.
5 comments:
If only that were so...I haven't seen anything to indicate a decline in consumerism in mainstream society and I doubt we ever will. People still love stuff as much as ever.
I think the reason retailers are whining is because people are buying online to take advantage of the high Aussie dollar, instead of shopping instore.
I'd like to believe that this Christmas, people will place more meaning on bonding with their friends and families than on the gifts they will receive. That instead of focusing on all the commercialism of the season, they will look into the real meaning behind this holiday.
Maybe the reatilers that complain the loudest are the ones who don't focus their advertising on the elements of family, friends, and the religious elements?
Have a great Christmas Adam and look forward to more good reading in the new year.
@frisky librarian
@wes towers
@Daniel oyston
thanks for your comments. trust you had a nice christmas. im still pretty sure a change is in the air - lets wait and see.
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