Are You A Holiday Hypocrite?
Tis the season of giving…
But not forgiveness…at least not long term. Every year temporary truces are called in the name of the Christmas Spirit and everyone suddenly becomes more generous and warm. Then comes January… and life goes back to normal. Even in the eyes of a child this behavior seems a tad bit hypocritical and makes a mockery of the season.
Why Do People Give More During the Holiday Season?
There are many practical reasons why people give more during the holiday season. To start, many companies give holiday bonuses and this extra influx of cash sometimes ends up doing more than buying gifts. Another reason is holiday cleaning when some discover they have more stuff than they need and decide to donate.
Then there is the third more psychological reason.
Others are giving so naturally, you give too. In some cases, it's because many charities choose to bombard you during the holidays to capitalize on the season of giving. Or it’s because you don’t want to seem like the odd man out when everyone else is dipping into their wallets and purses.
While these situations are understandable, it doesn’t excuse the fact that giving during the holiday season is way higher across the globe. After all, it isn’t called the season of giving for nothing. And while some charities have seen dips in donors (mainly due to scandals) generally people still love to give at Christmas.
The Downside of Only Giving During the Holidays.
However, people don’t live just during the winter season.
And this is the major downside of only giving during the holidays. The poor, homeless, and desolate still need you for the next 9 to 11 months. Not only that, the feasting on rich food for the holidays can affect those with digestive issues that arise from poor diets during the year.
As much as they will appreciate your new blankets and coats for the winter season, come summer, no one is handing out shade from the heat. And with protective architecture, many lose comfortable spaces where they can avoid the heat and find safety. Plus don’t you think it's weird to ignore a person all year and then suddenly remember them when you want to feel good during the holidays? (*sniff sniff* smells a little narcissisticy)
Aside from the damage you are doing to their psyche, let’s take a look at your soul. If you are doing this because you happen to have the extra cash around this time or you’ve cleaned out your cupboards and closets, then it’s no big deal. If you’re doing it cause you want to look good, then you may be a holiday hypocrite.
Are You a Holiday Hypocrite?
Even before smartphones, charities would show you images of their charitable work so that they could induce you to donate. And while that is necessary for transparency in a charitable organization or cause, it isn’t necessary, for you and your boxed lunch. Unless you are getting a tax break or donation for your efforts there is no need to record your actions.
And while we are on the topic of exploiting the less fortunate in society, are you truly giving or dumping garbage? One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure is a great saying but it should not be your mantra when giving to the poor. If you think it's too disgusting to eat or wear, then they probably think the same way too.
Having pride may be a sin but so is giving with evil intentions. If you are giving with the expectation of getting something in return, be it ass, clout, or free labor, it isn’t a donation and you are a holiday hypocrite! (Or a plain ahole. Take your pick.) Pay a prostitute, hire a real employee, and go chase your five minutes of fame elsewhere, Just leave those people alone!
I see you villain, with your villain mustache! — Lito, Sense 8
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/chart/16417/share-of-people-who-donated-money-to-charity/
