Christmas has arrived. Or at least it’s arrived at Wal Mart, Target, Kmart, Walgreens, CVS and many other stores. We even have the public Christmas tree and menorah on display here in Solivita.
By my reckoning, it’s at least six weeks until Christmas. So that means by the time Christmas does arrive at the end of December, we will be sick of it—Christmas-ed out, if you will.
I was taught that Christmas is a primarily religious holiday when I attended Catholic School in Buffalo many years ago. Now it appears that merchants have completely co-opted this holiday to sell more stuff—most of which we don’t need. Of course, this is nothing new. Christmas always was the season to spend, spend spend.
Ads encourage parents to buy expensive toys and husbands to purchase lavish jewelry to express their love. There is even a TV ad that shows a teenage daughter giving her mother a beautiful, obviously expensive locket. It’s for a jewelry store, of course. I can’t wait for the Lexus commercials on TV! The greed and overindulgence they promote is so over the top, that they are almost iconic—and sickening.
Now I enjoy giving gifts to those I love, and I appreciate getting gifts, too. I think most people do. And Christmas is traditionally the time to do that. It is a wonderful tradition.
But I think the selling of Christmas has exceeded any reasonable limits. This year, stores are decorated for Christmas almost two months early and the Salvation Army Santa is ringing his or her bell outside my supermarket before Thanksgiving. I feel like Christmas has lost its meaning. And I know that by the time Christmas arrives, I will be sick of the tinsel and trees and hate the sound of Jingle Bells.
So I don’t know how to feel about those who rush the season for ruining it for me. Maybe I should boycott them, but it is literally impossible. I have to buy groceries and actually can’t hibernate until January.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Christmas decorations magically appeared after Thanksgiving so that we wouldn’t be bored by the Santas and candles by Christmas? Wouldn’t it be even nicer if retailers didn’t exploit a lovely holiday so greedily?
Kathy, I agree with you. I think the worst display of greed and desperation is the jump starting of Black Friday this year. I read that some merchants are opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving night. However, their ploy is only successful if people rush out to the stores. I do not go shopping on Black Friday!
I never shop on Black Fiday–I know I would hate it!
I am dismayed at the jump start on Black Friday–is there no end to this? And think of the poor workers who have to rush their Thanksgiving so people can rush the stores!
I agree with Eileen, Kathy. Too much greed and commercialism. I wish there were a way to boycott the stores that are open on Thanksgiving Day and other holidays, but unfortuntely the stores are a necessary evil. In spite of it all……..I wish you and yours and the happiest of holiday seasons.
Thank you , Sunny. I hope you have a wonderful Cchristmas season , too.
The commercialism of Christmas has been with us for ever, it seems. But now they are pushing it too far, in my opinion.
Our son was born on Thanksgiving Eve, 34 years ago. My mother asked my husband to go shopping at the Mall with her on Black Friday so he could purchase a gift for “the new Mom”. He agreed, not knowing what he would face, wanting to get that something special for me on our first Christmas as a family of three!
Black Friday 1977 was the start of his mental block on shopping- unless it was in Cabela’s or Gander Mountain! Now I shop with female neighbors or my daughter (when we go to NJ or she visits us here). Merry Christmas to all! (and if you need a shopping companion, I’m always available!)
Thanks for sharing that story. I’m not a shopper–but my husband is!
I had to do all my Christmas shopping one year on Christmas Eve–what a mess!! Everything was junky and expensive. Never again.
I have my own pet peeve – my local radio station started playing non-stop, Christmas songs/music more than a week ago. I am already sick of of the songs, so my only option is to try and find another one (which I have done, but am not happy with) or put a bunch of my favorite cd’s in the car, which is better.
It is also sad to me that so many parents do not encourage their children to think about what they can give to those who are in need, instead of allowing them to focus only on everything they want to get.
I agree, Marilyn . I dread when there is only Christmas music avaibale on the car radio–
And you are right–kids are getting the wrong idea of Christmas giving–they think its about being a consumer, not about sharing.
I agree. Wonder if we’d feel the same without that Catholic upbringing. Hmm.
Good point, Kerry.
I’m amazed how many homes are decorated – days before Thanksgiving. Wish this could be stopped until, at least, the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Me, too. I was shocked to see the Christmas tree already lit up in town Center!
Totally agree – I hate all the early decorating and the commercialization! I do like the Christmas music, but I think Dec. 15th would be early enough to start!
I think the Salvation Army is out early this year so they can also feed people for Thanksgiving! I will definitely donate again closer to Christmas!
I do admit, tho’ that I’d love to go to Kohls for their midnight opening, but don’t want to go alone – of course, Ken thinks I’m crazy!
I love Christmas music–just not a steady diet of it! I never thought about the Salvation ARmy looking for donations for Thanksgiving–it makes sense. As for shopping–I’m not a fan. although I know a lot of people love Black Friday!
I couldn’t agree more. Where is the true meaning of Christmas? It should be in the love we share with others not in the amount of money we spend on gifts and decorations. I miss teaching my students about the baby Jesus and that it is His birthday!
Melanie
You said what is in my heart. As I remember, we celebrated Advent in school–I think that made Christmas mush more meaningful.
You said what was in my heart. Thanks.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. But each year it is so overshadowed by the “christmas craze”. It is very difficult to focus on a ‘day of thanks’ with ‘Jingle Bells’ ringing in the background.
I totally agree, Jeanne. somehow it seems so out of place–and what ws once lovely and special becomes commonplace.