The Christmas spirit is giving, and to many it means giving in excess. I’ve heard many stories this year of people giving until they can no longer. Laptops, i-devices, tablets, televisions, and every other piece of new technology is bound to be under many trees this year.
We can’t live without the newest and greatest. We Americans have an insatiable appetite for the latest, best and fastest. Where would we be without the hottest gold colored phone or largest television? And does having those things make us better?
I guess that’s an eye of the beholder type of question and certainly something I’m not able to answer. However, I’d like to give my opinion and feelings on Christmas Eve. Hopefully all of you have your presents picked out and haven’t bounced too many checks in the process.
Technology evolves for a few different reasons. Most advances are consumer driven; in other words, we demand faster and bigger so companies build to suit. Economists call it supply and demand.
A large reason the newest products are introduced at the end of the year is to capitalize on Christmas demands. Debuting a new product costs a substantial amount of money and manufacturers know that launching just before Christmas almost guarantees large initial sales. Video game consoles are known to be introduced weeks before the holiday.
The Sunday before Thanksgiving I picked up a copy of a Black Friday circular. I was considering standing in the cold to pick up a new TV for an unheard of low price. I questioned whether I really needed it or simply wanted to gloat to friends how little I paid.
I noticed the big sale items – the ones used to lure potential shoppers – were all electronics. Not one lawnmower or oil filter was listed in the brochure. In fact, I don’t remember seeing clothes. I did end up at the sale but didn’t stand in line. Instead, I stood outside and watched the chaos.
Years ago when I was out of work I struggled to put gifts under my family’s tree. Holiday time for me was extremely stressful because I couldn’t afford the latest gizmos. We had a roof over our heads and food on the table. Every Christmas since I reflect back on those who helped me make the most of our holiday.
This economy has created a roadblock for many families who would like to exchange the newest technologies but are too proud to ask for help. Some have lost jobs to the economy and others have simply had hours stripped. No matter the economic climate, we’re in really tough times that have affected many families.
Christmas to families who have faced financial hardships means coming together as a unit. Many do not ask for help because it’s simply too embarrassing. I went from earning six figures to nothing overnight and I was too proud to ask for help or file for unemployment.
During my time of struggle a group came forward and helped my family pull through the holiday season. My kids each received nice gifts and we, as a family, stayed warm for the season. I’ve never been a terribly religious person, but since then I’ve come to appreciate doing to others.
I love Christmas and cherish times with family as I hope you do. Technology has become as big a part of Christmas as the spirit and I’m not really certain it should be. With people out of work and hours being cut, is having the latest gaming system really that necessary? Hopefully this year you’ll relish the true meaning of the holidays and pay it forward to someone in need. Happy holidays.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can text him directly at (978) 413-2840 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)