Bombardment

I've figured out why this whole season gift-giving thing is so difficult for me. I am a person who can't effectively and confidently make a decision (well, most of the time), as well as actually stick to that decision. When something else comes along, it may sway my decision another way or make me doubt my first decision. (This, of course, refers only to the trivial things in life such as what kind of soft drink to buy at the grocery store or what color shirt to wear today....I don't mean that I am a pushover when it comes to morals or ethics, cause I'm not. I'm well-grounded on what I believe and Who I believe in.)

Just when I get it all figured out, listed out, organized.....it happens. My mailbox (both by the street an in my computer) is flooded with ads, suggestions, colorful, well-designed leaflets or catalogues which showcase this year's finest gift choices. Oh, the glossy pages beckon me to open it, even though I know I shouldn't but instead tote it straight away to the rubbage. Yet I do, and the scent of the newly published paper waves me in.

Then I see it....the "perfect" gift for so-and-so. It's $59.95? No matter. They're worth it.

Then again....the $99.95 little gadgeteroo that would be "just the right addition" to his stocking this year. (Anything under 2" is stocking material....)

Then, the educational toy that every kid on the planet MUST have or else they will slip into a lower I.Q. and all of us parents will regret not buying it years down the road.....yep, add that to the list, too.

Then I realize. They've done it again. Those crafty advertising execs have reeled me in, like a willing fish who has no clue.

99.99% of the time, I am able to set that catalogue or leaflet down and walk away....just WALK AWAY. Tough as it is, I know that there are FAR too many gift ideas out there for me to even afford much less have enough friends and family for which to buy them.

I think of old days past, when choices were exponentially limited compared to what we have today. Hm. And we wonder why we have so many prescription drugs available to help us concentrate and focus? I think we're missing the main thing.

I'm trying not to get washed into the material mindset this year. I am trying to resist the urge to not be satisfied unless I have that fluttery feeling deep down inside that I have found the most perfect gift on all the earth for everyone I love and am buying for this year. I have spent way too many hours in the past shopping, browsing, returning, swapping. This year I want to soak in every minute of the precious holiday upon us....not spend it amidst a flurry and blur of shopping madness.

So...keep on sending those pretty little pamphlets. I congratulate your colorful, eye-popping graphics and your slick words. I will appreciate them as art forms, as a wonderful expression of your marketing know-how.....but I won't become a slave to your tactics any longer.

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