The basement is full. The garden shed is full. We North Americans tend to surround ourselves with possessions. The more we possess, the happier we think we will be. Our crest depicts a hand holding a credit card.
People surround themselves with possessions for many different reasons.
For some, it is to make up for the fact that they were raised in poverty. They never owned anything during their childhood, so they want things now. For others, the need to possess goes far deeper into the fabric of their lives. Some buy possessions for other people, including children and grandchildren, because they want to be remembered and loved. Some busy parents surround their children with things in place of parental attendance and guidance.