After reading both of the student
essays, I would have to say I agree with Amel Saleh. However, both authors had
valid arguments and backed up there opinions with good examples. I believe
materialistic items consume the holiday season when it should really be focused
on family. By giving children pricey toys and top of the line clothing,
what are we really teaching them? It seems like this would hurt a child more
than help a child. Spending excess amounts of money on materialistic items sets
a bad example on kids. They will think by having these items this will describe
them or give them some sort of superior rank or social status. In my family we
do give gifts but if it was up to me I would rather not. Because of this,
sometimes the holidays are hard for me. Every year family and friends ask me
what I want for Christmas and the answer is always the same “Thanks, but I
really don’t need anything.” However, when Christmas comes around I still
always receive gifts. The gifts I appreciate most are the ones that are from
the heart, the ones that are homemade such as a knitted beanie or a drawing/painting
etc. Most people think gift giving is the best way to show others you are being
thought of and loved but I don’t think that’s true. People should love and
appreciate you for who you are not for who has the most expensive gift.
