Straight Talk: Finding spirit in season of frenzy

DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: The winter holidays seem to be a stressed-out 'what am I getting' and 'what am I buying' nightmare and I wonder if these once-sacred holidays hold any meaning at all for young people. I'm not overly religious or sitting in judgment of society, just trying to understand how young people today perceive the holidays. — Mr. G., Carmel

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Moriah, 18, Rutland, Vt.: I was raised to think of the holidays as a time for family. But as I've grown, they've become a time to reflect. On everything. I follow no specific religion or tradition, but I cherish this time of year when I can just think.

Elle, 19, Mifflintown, Penn.: A glance at our culture affirms that the meaning has vanished. Materialism runs rampant already, and Christmas is the yearly injection that puts greed on steroids — and justifies it. Growing up, Christmas included presents under the tree and exchanging gifts with infrequently seen relatives — all lovely. Now, my family implements a 'minimal' Christmas, which we really enjoy. The quantity of gifts has shrunk, but their thoughtfulness has grown. The hype over presents is weird! It's cherishing time together that matters. First and foremost, I was brought up with Christmas as a celebration of Jesus' birth. That's the greatest gift the world has received and why Christmas should be viewed as a time of giving rather than receiving.

Taylor, 17, Santa Rosa: My friends know me as the crazy Christmas girl. I LOVE Christmas!! Yet, I've never been asked why. There's just so much to love! The cold, rainy weather, how people are more generous to those in need, how everyone seems happier. I'm not so naïve to think everything is perfect for two weeks, but I allow myself to pretend it is. I adore Christmas decorations, the adventure of finding the perfect present, and all December, I'm baking and cooking special treats! As a Christian, the tradition and religious aspect of Christmas is very important to me and perhaps is a touchstone for the craziness of growing up.

Colin, 21, Sacramento: For me, the holiday means sitting by the fire (or heater) with a hot drink and a good book. It's a time for deep reflection. For visiting beloved family and old friends. It's about being in the present, not getting presents — or chasing the next paycheck or report card. Many people worship working for money and pretty things till they're old and gray like it will lead to salvation. It won't. It rarely even brings happiness. Only when we are working to help others are we genuinely fulfilled — which for me is what this season is about: getting away from the materialism and false individualism of our psychopathic society and celebrating connection with others.

Ochatre, 25, Kampala, Uganda: Growing up, 'Christmas' meant new clothes for church, nice food, and relatives joining us for Christmas lunch. Now, Christmas means a day off my nonprofit work helping my country's youth, visiting my parents, and sharing a nice family meal.

DEAR MR. G: Well, the kids are all right! Thank you for your interesting question. While society continues its spending addiction (multitudes going into debt — or shoplifting — both in the true spirit of addiction), some young people are 'over it'. Readers: The have-nots are rapidly growing in ranks with the redistribution of wealth and lawmaking power. This month, when materialism goes 'on steroids', please consider those with true material needs of food, warmth and shelter. —Lauren

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