Between the months of November and December, whether it be Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, it seems that almost every American, including the majority of students here at Mills, celebrate a holiday that involves the prospect of gift-giving; with the eight lights of Hanukkah representing the perseverance of the Jewish faith despite persecution from the Seleucid Empire (167 B.C.E.) and Kwanzaa symbolizing the struggle and blight of African Americans, it is clear that the holidays resonate great importance to families. However, throughout recent years the holiday season has become more about the materialistic aspect of gift-giving rather than, in Christmas’ case, the commemoration of Jesus’ birthday and religion in general. Amidst the chaos of brightly colored lights and heavily decorated trees, a few minutes passing through a major shopping district and you’ll find yourself bombarded by electronic displays telling you about the “best” discounts on clothing, electronics, furniture and anything else that could potentially make a good present. But who can really blame manufacturers for going the extra mile to overly-advertise their products during the holiday season? Let’s be honest, giving and receiving gifts are what the average adult and simple-minded kid want the most during the holidays: who doesn’t want the newest Xbox console or a brand new 50 inch flat screen T.V.? These days you’ll be hard pressed to even find a fully attended church on Christmas morning. For instance, in countries such as Japan or Korea where the main religion isn’t Christianity and most of the population doesn’t know the religious background of Christmas, nevertheless, December 25th is still considered a national holiday. There is no doubt that many nations chose to celebrate the infamous holiday solely for the opportunity to bleed the wallets of consumers, captivated by the grandeur of bright lights and enticing merchandise sitting by windows.The bottom line for countries that celebrate Christmas is that: no matter your religion or ethnicity, the holiday season symbolizes a time to give and receive presents. On the other hand, it can be argued that such materialism is the powerful, unseen force that brings people together who would otherwise be alone during the holiday season. Without the consumer created norm of gift giving and buying presents, those that chose not to practice a specific religion or those who don’t care deeply enough to partake in religious gatherings would find themselves ultimately excluded. By placing greater value on materialism during the holiday season, there is less pressure to understand the religious background, thus making it possible for an enjoyable festive family gathering that everyone can enjoy. In conclusion, while the holiday season can be seen as a ploy to profit off of unwary consumers, the practice of buying, giving and receiving presents is what generates a worthwhile experience.