hallmark holidays

people were rushing to the shopping malls to buy gifts at the last minute... some bought the gifts way in advance, weeks before... many were scratching their heads to figure out what to give to their family or their significant others....

are gifts the most important part of the holiday? or is it just another hallmark tricks so we buy more cards/stuff?

maybe yes, maybe no... honestly, i dunno... i admit that it always feels good to receive gifts, esp. from the people we love... but tell me, people... are we really obligated to buy gifts during holidays??? mother's day, xmas, valentine's day, father's day, birthdays, etc... wow... just in 1 year, we have some serious budgets to spend huh?


hmm... 1 of the reasons why i asked that perhaps 'cuz i'm 'financially challenged' now :D... BUT another reason is 'cuz i feel that certain holidays are just made up (or are "overly commercialized" better words?) so we buy more stuff.... why do we need to show our love, buy flowers, have some nice dinner only during valentine's day?? why do we help out in the kitchen or make breakfast in bed for mom only during mother's day?.. those are just some examples... WHY??? why can't we be attentive to others everyday or whenever the thought of that special person pop up in our head???.... can someone enlighten me??... i might be wrong in this particular case 'cuz i like giving my gifts whenever... many times i don't wait 'til those special days to come. i prefer spontaneity 'cuz to me (at least) it shows how much i think about that person.

notice that besides sending gifts, cards also come into action... from cards crafted by the senders, bought in bulk from costco, to the electronic ones.... now, what's the purpose of sending cards again? i know.. i know... to wish the recipients happiness, luck, well, etc.... but then, do those card have any meanings anymore? esp. those you just send in bulk with already printed wishes 'n all you do is just signing your name at the bottom??? those cards who you don't even buy/sign yourself, but your assistant bought them for you and sign your name with the signature stamp?? or those e-greeting cards that you just typed some generic messages and sent it via mass-email to every single person in your address book?

don't get me wrong... i use and receive those e-greeting cards as well... it's all about conveniences and saving cost... but i will appreciate more to receive those who artistically created by the sender OR besides those ready made messages, you add your own touch in it. you personalize the cards with your own words that the recipients will be able to feel that it's really from you...

i still believe in gifts and cards... i love 'em... i don't care how crazy those companies commercialize some holidays 'cuz those gifts/cards do make me feel happy. and i do believe most of us feel the same way... however, wouldn't you be more happy if the gifts are well thought out OR the cards are written that personally directed to us or crafted by the sender??

happy holiday, people......



greetings from portland, a pleasant city that rains 99.9999% of the time.......... somehow