Consumerism and Christmas
It is that time of year again when hopes, dreams, and wish lists become reality - or so we'd wish. Very often we don't, but that's for a different time.
Regardless of any argument anyone may ever make, prioritizing presents, gifts, or anything else over the true reason of Christmas - the birth of Jesus - can never be considered good. It is this time of year we must move our attention to others rather than ourselves; or in the case of us business owners, our profits.
Nevertheless, the slight commercialization of Christmas can indeed be a good thing. This is the season when individuals give gifts to make other people happy. In order to give these presents individuals first must find gainful employment to acquire the resources to either purchase or manufacture the gift. Typically, this means getting a job, rather than foraging for wood, metal, or other resources.
As this individual is employed he or she will manufacture a product for someone else to purchase, who will also need to be employed, and so on. This will increase the standard of living for all those involved; the gift recipient, the gift giver, and all of those who are indirectly involved in this process.
Of course, my point is moot as generally people must be employed to, y'know, eat, but just some food for thought.