susnet
	Is consumerism clouding the christmas message?  Yes A hundred years ago you might find that on christmas a family would sit down to a hot meal for lunch together and be generally joyous. But would they give presents?Some would and some wouldn't but in all cases they would generally understand the long told stories of jesus christ and his disciples and the three wise men. Now  many children would still be able to convey to you similar stories but would this be what they think christmas is about? For example here is a more commonly asked question around december "what do you want for christmas?"  shops play a large role in this, by advertising different childrens products and toys, parents will then be told lists of these such items and shall gather their savings and take off to buy them at the shops. what has this got to do with christ being born?   No around christmas hundreds of festive events take place such as nativity plays and such like where little boys and girls pose as holy figures around the birth of christ. so fistly the christmas message is still bnold and clear. Secondly people giving gifts is simply an act of kindness and represents the selfless and generous side of people.... if you would like more of your own arguments posted on this website simply email your own yes and no's to antartica@hotmail.co.uk