christmas is really for the children, isn't it.

children are taught the story of the shepherds and wise men bringing gifts to the baby in the manger and "hark" the angels singing etc

children are also taught the sick story of jolly old st nick and his lists of "naughty" and "nice."

it does not take long for kids to understand that their schoolmates with more affluent parents seem to be higher on the "nice" list than they are. this fact of life certainly is internalized by the rich kids, who can't wait to show off their new toys to the kids who really needed those shoes and that sweater that santa brought them.

this tradition of conspicuous consumption is detrimental to rich and poor alike, and follows them throughout their lives and all year round. class warfare under a decorated tree.