The value of Christmas

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3-6

The wastefulness in present giving

Why do gifts destroy value? 

"There are worlds of money wasted at this time of year on getting gifts that nobody wants and no-one  cares for after they are got" 

*Harriet Beachers Stowe in 1850

Do you get gifts that you don't really need or use?

How much is wasted globally on poor Christmas gift decisions. 

• 25 billion dollars just spent on gifts that no-one wants because they don't like them. 
  

You are going to watch a short clip: Listen for the following points

1. He estimates millions of dollars are wasted  each year at Christmas, who in particular are bad at buying suitable gifts?

2. What disadvantages of gift cards are mentioned?

 

3.What suggestion does Joel Waldfogel make if you have to buy for someone you do not know?

Group one

Make a list of negative things related to Christmas

Group two

Make a list of positive things related to Christmas

Brainstorm and debate

The council in your town has received several negative points about Christmas. As a result an official town meeting has been called to discuss the future of the holiday. Read your roles  and participate in the meeting.

Group one

Present your arguments to the council and residents for either cancelling the holiday or changing the holiday in some major ways. 

Take 2 minutes to prepare

Group two

Take 2 minutes to form your pro Christmas arguments.

After group one has presented, present your arguments and defend the holiday against their criticisms.