A problem for me is that I live in a very poor little town where I know a lot of people who go into massive debt or work themselves to sickness just to buy their kids ridiculously extravagant presents. My favorite cashier in the supermarket, for example, works there full time and then exhausts herself making wreathes (an important seasonal occupation 'round these parts) well into the night. And that's nice, safe, indoor work. There are also the crazy bastards who scallop in all weather because the season is so limited and then go out tipping (getting the wherewithal to make those damn wreathes) or clamming in the freezing cold. All so they can give their children piles of electronic gizmos and other crap--even such big-ticket as four-wheelers (a suitable gift for a child, no?). Sure, these people are crazy and dumb to do what they do, but they are encouraged in their madness. It makes me sad and angry.
