Like most americans, my childhood was filled with thoughts about this magical day wherein I could open all my presents and the wondering what they were would finally be over. There was such a buildup, such an incredible excitement, then days of glow while messing with all the new junk I acquired.

As I got older and grew to loath consumerism, the magic of Christmas wore off for me. Consumerism is like a kind of modern Robin Hood tale where retailers steal from the poor and give to the rich.

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