One 2005 survey found that more than half of Americans were bothered by the commercialization of Christmas. And a 2013 follow-up confirmed that materialism is Americans’ least favorite part of the season.
Clearly, there’s a problem. Call it the Christmas Conundrum. We are supposed to revel in gift-giving and generosity, yet the season’s lavishness and commercialization leave many people cold.
Luckily, there’s a way out.
Read the featured essay by Arthur Brooks in the New York Times.
