Hey there, Erica! :)

Thanks for your lovely comment! I haven't been raised with a focus on the material aspect of life. I hope we manage to do the same for our son and give him the values you are talking about :)

I agree with you that how one goes through life is a matter of perception and a balance between the positive illusions one has and the reality.

I put the disclaimer because Christmas is a religious celebration after all and is "adopted" by the pop-culture. I discussed only some of the cultural aspects and didn't want to offend anyone by missing all the other aspects of the holidays. That's why I made the note just to make sure that everyone gets me right.

I wish a wonderful Christmas to you and your family! Stay healthy, fulfilled, and cheerful! :D