Unfortunately, in these hard economic times, when jobs are still scarce, there is great need and even food insecurity, especially among younger people and families with children. But in most parts of middle- and upper-class Southern California, nobody appears to need much more than what they already have.

My wife says that if everyone thought as I do, the economy would be in even worse shape. She’s probably right. The malls would be emptier and business would be down for sweatshops in China, unsafe factories in Bangladesh and makers of gift cards and wrap. But here in the Los Angeles area, cars are parked in driveways or on the street because garages are full of stuff. And when Angelenos run out of space there, they rent storage lockers, where from time to time they visit their extra things.

Maybe this year, we can work toward ending the potlatch season. Let’s stop buying and giving things people don’t want and don’t need.

If you feel a need to give, give food to the hungry, clothes and toys to those in need, or donations to victims of storms, violence or conflict.