I, for one, think it would be hilarious if over the next few years, people start giving money instead of shopping at stores that denounce the Christ Child. It's kind of silly to deny the reason for the money-making season, and still expect people to turn out at stores to spend money for "no reason." So I think it'd be an interesting case of "poetic justice" if, as the godless world buys into this denunciation, they stop supporting the stores that put it into practice.

 Not that I wish material ruin to the owners of the stores, but a year or two of financial weight loss might point out the hypocrisy and idiocy of their erroneous campaign.

 Besides, your loved ones could have masses said with money if they wanted, or even pay bills (some of us are that desperate, too...). And they can't exactly put part of that new i-pod in the collection plate.

 Though, it WOULD be awesome if Christians stopped going to the local superstore and e-bay for their Christmas shopping, and perhaps went instead to a Catholic bookstore or a store that sold Catholic goods. You want to talk about putting Christ back into the season (and into minds and hearts) ... that's a good first step. If your Catholic, "NO" or "Christian" friends and relatives object, point out that you're celebrating the birth of Christ, so you wanted your gift to reflect the season. Plus, it also might help silence those types who get mortally offended if you don't get them something, or who complain if it's something they don't like.

"What? It's Christmas. So I'm giving you something about Christ."

 Another thought on that note... Religion is something that we have to grasp and enact with our intellect. But out of sight is out of mind. Alas, there's something in human nature that causes by default, any knowledge that isn't in use gradually to slip away. Now more than ever we need to arm our homes with good books and good statues, pictures and the like, to CONSTANTLY remind us of eternity. The world outside of our homes will be devoid enough of reminders. Never underestimate the benefit one can get, and the devotion one can grow, by having one holy image they are fond of sitting around their workspace, constantly calling their minds back to what is really important. We need people giving gifts like those. The ones who get them may not realize for years what a treasure you have given them, but if they have any good will toward their Faith, it should benefit them indeed.