I came across this article a few months ago on the excellent Experimental Theology blog. It was published back in 2007, but it’s one of those things that is relevant at the beginning of every liturgical year.
In Praise of Christmas Shopping:
Excerpt-y!
Thus, before we denounce the commercialization of Christmas, let’s pause to note that all those shoppers are SHOPPING FOR SOMEONE ELSE! And that is a very deep spiritual realization. All those shoppers are not thinking of themselves, they are thinking of someone else. When during the year do we spend this much time thinking about the needs and wants of the people in our lives?
Order of Santa Ignora 