if you didn't receive any presents how would you feel?

i grew up extremely poor in an abusive house. the money was there but it was spent on "better things" for the adults - booze, smokes, party dresses, etc. so we had many christmas' where we received little for christmas. if it hadn't been for the salvation army we would not even had a decent meal at christmas let alone a present.

so my siblings and i know how it feels not to receive a present at christmas - perhaps thats why christmas in our homes is full of love and laughter, plenty of food, family and good friends. however we don't go overboard on gifts.

gift-wise my hubby and i buy very little for ourselves - we spend it on the kids and grandkids and donations.

the meaning of christmas isn't hidden in the gifts you receive, its in your heart and your spirit. and you pass it on in your love of humanity. my family does very well at that!

merry christmas!

I would feel ok with that. I think we live in a world of "expectation" rather than "the appreciation of giving".

If someone does not celebrate Christmas then they would not worry too much.

You said "many that will not receive presents and don't even know the meaning of Christmas" - Does everyone HAVE to know the meaning of Christmas?

I come from south east Asia and Christmas is not a big thing over there. New Year celebration is more an event there.

NOT getting a present at Christmas is not going to stop the sun from coming up the next morning. We live in a culture where we can afford to buy and give presents and now we are expecting it. People who can not afford to give presents should not be made to feel obliged to give them. And NOT receiving a present should not make you feel offended that you didn't get one from that friend or that uncle etc.

Unfortunately, the commercialism and expectation has made people "demand " that present must be given - which is a shame.

If I received no presents on Christmas, I would be sad and disappointed. However, I'd remember the Christmas message, why the Baby Jesus was born. I'd remember the Whos in Whoville singing Dabu Dores even though they were robbed of everything. I'd remember the words from Stevie Wonder's "I Wish":

"Even though we sometimes would not get a thing,

We'd be happy with the joy the day would bring."

I'd sing some Christmas carols and spend time with my family.

Hopefully, I will have given some presents as well.

I know Christmas is not about presents but your right.. I would feel really bad if I didnt get atleast a little something. Everyone that can afford it, should go out and pick a name of a child that needs help and get them something. even if it only costs $10.00.

I feel bad just thinking about a poor child getting up Christmas morning with no presents..

honestly i wouldnt care; in fact i never cared at all of getting presents for christmas. as long am with the people i truly care & love in my life am happy..its the feeling of having the warmth of the people special in your life around you is what matters.

Already recieved them, 3 healthy children and a loving wife. Well, the wife could, and hopefully will give me an EXTRA special present.

i wouldn't care as long as my daughter was happy. in fact...i received money from my dad already for christmas and I have used that to buy all of my other gifts for people. I know my dad wnated me to use it to buy something nice for myself, but I feel better giving joy to other people.