Consumerism Gets a Slap

I am not a religious person, but I celebrate Christmas like most Americans do.  I sing “O Holy Night”, I enjoy the story of the birth of Jesus and I think that this time of year is one to be charitable and kind.
I do not think that I need to spend X number of dollars on certain tiers of family members in descending order so that everyone has something to open on the holidays.
One I’m not made of money and two I would almost rather that we no longer gave presents.  I don’t think it should be about presents.  I don’t want my son growing up expecting nothing on Christmas morning except a pile of stuff that he won’t appreciate or use.  I want him to understand that Christmas is a time to express your gratitude and to give if you are able to someone less fortunate.  It is a time for family and friends, for good food and drink for gathering and appreciating one another.  It is a time for decorations and lights, for sweets and bows.  It is not a time for 1,000 piece lego sets, power ranger convertibles and video games.
I saw this video on facebook today and I thought what a wonderful thing.  It appear to be a flash mob, but instead of dancing they are singing holiday songs in a mall.  Surrounded by strangers and shoppers, consumerism at its best.  They stop and sing, a crowd gathers and most join in.  For a moment it is as though they are united as we are meant to be during this time of year.  Not throwing each other to the ground for the toy that our son or daughter has to have otherwise Christmas just won’t be the same. 
This made me smile and wish that when I get stuck in a mall contributing to the glutony of shopping I get to witness something this wonderful.
Flash Mob