I didn't realize Christmas is about toys or getting junk

Greg Ahearn, President and CEO of The Toy Association, told CNN: "A 145-percent tariff is tough on any industry, but ours is truly unique from the standpoint that 96 percent of the manufacturers here in the U.S. are considered small- or medium-sized businesses. So when you think about these businesses, and a 145-percent tariff being put on them, it's untenable for them."

"No toys are currently being produced in China. And there are reports that major retailers here in the U.S. are starting to actually cancel orders," He added. "Christmas is at risk."

How exactly is Christmas at risk??? Christmas isn't about getting crap, but that's what we've turned it into, sadly. "I better get something this year" people gripe. It's sad honestly. I need nothing to have an awesome Christmas and everyone in this world should realize Christmas is not about getting physical things.

Top | New | Old

ArishMell · 70-79, M

I agree with you!

So does Mr. Ahearn mean no toys are made in America? Obviously he has a vested interest!

His first two sentences do not make much sense because he talks about "manufacturers here in the US" then a "tariff being put on them". Clearly wrong. The tariffs are on imported goods.

Does he really mean the American companies are not manufacturers, no longer anyway? That even if they still design the toys they have contracted the manufacturing to China and elsewhere? Then it makes sense. Perhaps he was trying to evade the truth about where the goods are made.

sstronaut

Let's be honest, Christmas in this day and age is mostly about being around family and getting or giving junk...

Especially when kids are involved.

You can argue that maybe it shouldn't be that way... but it is.

YoMomma ·

I don't celebrate it anymore but it was a nice time of cookies and singing and lights and friends and family ☺ not just gifts.. 🙂

ronisme1 · 61-69, M

Christmas is a religious holiday, yes. But Santa Claus is about the kids and their toys. The statement is a worry for all the U.S. children. The tariffs will drive the U.S. into a major recession. I understand what he is trying to do but he will kill thousands and this cannot be done in 3-1/2 years

twiigss · M

@ronisme1 Absolutely agree with ya. I just hate the notion that, "if you don't get material things at Christmas, then you had a bad Christmas"

It's been over commercialized and for most people it's, "sigh, guess I need to buy a toaster for the in laws" like what kind of way is that to go about Christmas? That's just how I feel about it.

Thevy29 · 41-45, M

Christmas is me paying a couple of hundred on Christmas dinner. Doing all the cooking. The family come over and eat it, complaining about anything that pops into their little brains before pissing off and leaving me to clean up afterwards.

We do presents to, but mostly just for the kids. (My brothers spent too much on my niece's kids, only for one of the tykes to be more interested in the rubber duck in my bathroom.) 🤷🏽‍♂

4meAndyou · F

@Thevy29 One thing that you can take from all the complaints...NO ONE who isn't completely sure of your continuing love would dare to complain so much! THAT's family!!!

smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F

Well Christmas is all about Santa giving out gift's. But it is true we better start saving money for the holiday this year

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@smileylovesgaming

Well Christmas is all about Santa giving out gift's.

That is certainly the Americanized version of it which has been exported around the Western world. It's an important capitalist opportunity which neatly sucks profit from guilt-ridden parents who literally buy into it. Other interpretations are available and financially cost less.

4meAndyou · F

Greg Ahearn needs a reality check. Determined parents will find a way...ANY way they can...to shower their children with love on Christmas.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@4meAndyou One rather hopes they love their children on the other 364 days of the year, too.... even if the latest, must-have, 3-day-life toy now costs over twice what it did yesterday.

4meAndyou · F

@ArishMell If money is the god that people worship, then they will dwell upon its loss.

Add a comment...