Hi:
How much stuff do you really need? This question is one that needs to be answered. How many people troll the mall, trying to find the one perfect gift for the person who has everything? If that person needs something, they can buy it for themselves.
The joy of giving and of receiving loses some of its flavor when we have too much. In reality, many baby boomers are there. They don't need any more things.
Apparently, buying experiences is a trend. People also are paying for presents of cosmetic surgery for their partners, in exchange for exactly the same thing. Gift certificates for botox and other procedures are popular, as well as gift cards, as then people spend on what they want.
Others I know forego gift exchanges altogether, but spend their money on holidays. Why not.
This focus on consumption, consumption, consumption, is of course, the real point. It's a reflection of our affluent society.
However, age does give perspective. Many eschew the gift giving consumptive commerical aspects of Christmas and just enjoy the time off. Time out in nature or just staying home and puttering about during this winter solstice period is the real gift. With a mental break comes perspective, and that is precious.
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