I got a lot of great stuff. Should I feel guilty

[gtp1976]

for being happy about it and being so materialistic?

Most of it was woodworking tools that I couldn't afford to buy for myself. Some of it was pure entertainment (DVD's and such). The rest was clothing and I never buy clothes for myself because I simply don't care about clothes, but it is great that I won't actually have to go shopping for clothes because I hate doing that. I also got some gift cards. But the greatest thing about them is they are the Visa or AMEX type that can be spent anywhere.

Am I a typical materialistic American consumer bastard or what? :-)

To top it all off, I even got some this morning. :-)

[Bouncy Ball]

1. Yes but what the hell.

Enjoy it. But do something to make up for it after the holidays. That's what we did when we did more gifts than we do now. I'd give stuff to Goodwill, give donations, give my time, etc to make up for being a consumerist bastard.

[koopie57]

2. People went through a lot of thought

and effort to give you something they thought you would enjoy. It would be a shame not to be happy and enjoy their thoughtfullness.

[NJCher]

4. right-o

So don't forget to thank them profusely for it.


Cher

[gtp1976]

5. I'm not an affectionate person

even with my parents and grandparents (the ones that are still alive anyway) but I always make sure to give either a hug, a kiss or both on holidays to let them know I appreciate their gifts and the thought that was associated with it.

I even extended this to my in-laws this year. I don't think I've ever seen a more shocked reaction when I gave my wife's grandma a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I could tell it really meant a lot to her. That, in and of itself, was worth the fact that it really disturbed me to do it. :-)

[koopie57]

6. Uhm, I didn't mean to imply

that you were not grateful. I just wanted to suggest that you enjoy that so many people think you are special. And because they knew what would make you happy makes me think that you must be open to them. Anyway, well, enjoy your blessings. JUST DO IT DAMNIT!

[NYC]

3. Be happy.

And be aware that in the future, you may not have the opportunity to be a materialistic American consumer bastard.

Prosperity is not just around the corner.

[amazona]

7. good for you and enjoy

Have a blast with your new toys and shopping cards. Let other people enjoy pampering you and giving you nice things if that is their pleasure. No need to feel guilty.