Tis' The Season...To Shop?

Shopping is key to the American economy. But it has become a past time as well. We buy things because we need them, we want them, or we just have to have it. Christmas is about love, family unity, happiness and, of course, presents. But somehow the gifting aspect seems to win first prize for attention factor every year. Even before Thanksgiving, malls are decorated with red and green, blasting jingle bells from every corner. It may be to promote cheer, but mostly it just reminds the bustling crowds that it is time to spend spend spend. According to this youtube video 99% of what we buy is trashed within six months. And some newspapers are saying our standard of living is decreasing? Spending may be good for the economy, but does it get in the way of our morals?

Is having the trendiest clothing and most modern lap top more important than adopting a family or donating to a charity for Christmas? We lose ourselves in commercials with Taylor Swift and Lebron James billboards. Individuality is something to be valued and maybe this Christmas you can get back in touch with your true self instead of the latest trends.

The Good Ol' Days

I was the managing editor for "The Viking Views" in high school. It was a while back, but I am still proud of that publication.  Check out our senior issue. I wrote the article on page 4.