Home > Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas
Is Christmas becoming too commercialized?
Results so far:
| Yes | 81% | 1675 votes | Total: 2074 votes | |
| No | 19% | 399 votes |
Yes
by Sandra Piddock
Created on: November 14, 2007 Last Updated: May 17, 2012
Christmas is certainly becoming too commercialised, particularly in the United Kingdom and North America. In Spain and several other countries in Europe, Christmas preparations begin around the middle of December. The reason for this is that Spain, being a Catholic country, views Christmas as a time to celebrate the nativity. This is evident in the 'Belens' - huge representations of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth - which appear in every town, village and city.
Christmas is meant to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, not a massive Spendfest and Cookfest that starts midway through September. There's nothing wrong with giving presents, and if you want to splash out, that's fine. It is, after all, a time of celebration, and everyone likes to give gifts and cook special meals in order to enjoy the celebrations to the full.
Just don't get into so much debt that it takes you until next October to pay for this Christmas. You don't need that burden to take into the New Year. Christmas is, above all, a time for families, because it's a time to remember the creation of the Holy Family. Therefore it is much more important that you spend time with your child as a family. He doesn't need the latest Nintendo game in his stocking. He may want it, but that's not the same. What he really needs is the undivided attention of his parents and extended family. Time to just be together with no outside pressures or deadlines.
The Nintendo game is just a bonus, and something else will replace it next year. But you can never replace the feeling of warmth and security that comes from being part of a close family and knowing that you are loved, despite or maybe because of your faults. You don't need to be particularly religious to appreciate this, although for many families the religious significance of Christmas adds an extra dimension to the precious time spent with their loved ones.
The greatest gift you can give to your loved ones costs nothing. Give of yourself, enjoy your time with your family, but also remember to give thanks that another family made it against all the odds so very long ago. Somewhere in your busy Christmas schedule, take time out to remember why - 2000 years after the event - the birth of a baby boy is still celebrated around the world.
Learn more about this author, Sandra Piddock.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
No
by Carol Gioia
Created on: December 08, 2007 Last Updated: March 05, 2008
Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, it is a season of the heart. External forces cannot dictate when and how we celebrate Christmas.
For some, Christmas is a religious tradition. They celebrate the birth of Jesus, following the timetable of events illustrated in the bible and holy scripture. Each week, when they attend church, they renew their focus on the real spirit of Christmas. What we consider the "commercial" trappings of Christmas are viewed from a different perspective. They decorate their houses with a tree and a nativity scene. Christmas lights have a deeper meaning, which overrides the excess of public displays. They are preparing to received Jesus into their loving hearts. Their generosity of spirit overflows and they celebrate the joyous season by gifting those they love.
For others, Christmas is celebrated without the religious overtones. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged as the season of loving and giving. Santa Claus is the focal point. Dear, jolly old St. Nick, who sneaks into homes and surprises the occupants with their hearts' desires. Houses are lit up to insure Santa will find his way. Wonderful parties and celebrations bring friends and neighbors together, and coworkers play "Secret Santa" for each other. Good will abounds as frenzied shopping sprees insure loved ones will have the best surprises under the tree, and the best Christmas ever, to store away in their memories.
We work hard throughout the year to guarantee a good Christmas. When our children ask for something which exceeds the budget, we will say, "Ask Santa Claus," as if the merry old elf's overindulgence is somehow more permissable. When we purchase a new home, the first question we ask is, "Where will we put the Christmas tree?" Christmas is on our minds all year long.
Can we fault businesses for doing the same thing? If you knew in a couple of months there would be thousands traipsing through your establishment, you would want to be prepared. You would want to get a "jump" on the season.
Years ago, it was tradition to put up the tree on Christmas eve. Over time, we have done so earlier and earlier, in order to be prepared. Are businesses not mirroring our own anticipation and excitement? We complain, but we are out there, in the thick of it, wanting to have access to the best choices available to lavish generously on our loved ones.
In previous generations, gifts and food were homemade. Christmas was a year round endeavor, as it took time to prepare everything from scratch. The difference today is, we can see the preparations happening. We are not secretly knitting, sewing, canning, preserving, building and crafting our gifts and holiday accouterments. We can go shopping and select from myriad displays of ready made items to put together a memorable Christmas.
The methods of preparation may have changed, but the sentiments are the same. We are taking time from our busy lives to celebrate our loved ones and our good fortune. We are looking around with a generous eye, and insuring those less fortunate are also taken care of in this season of loving and giving. It is the time of year when "Peace on Earth" almost seems a possibility. We are filled with Christmas spirit.
Can this season of "Love and good will toward man" be too long? Can generosity be too commercial? Is the timing more important than the gift? Is love diminished by coming too soon and lasting too long? Will a gift purchased in October have less worthy intentions than one purchased on Christmas eve?
Christmas is a time for putting ourselves aside and thinking of others. It is a season of love and generosity. If starting too early, or singing too much, or buying gifts with gusto is considered "commercial," then, perhaps we are not being commercial enough. The ideal would be to keep the Christmas spirit all year long.
Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, it is a season of the heart.
Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Write and get published
Share with other writers
Polish your freelancing skills
Quality articles from proven freelancers
Exclusive rights, fast turnaround
Brand engagement, business blogging -- our writers do it all
INFORMATION
Copyright © 2002-2012 Helium, Inc. All rights reserved.
Helium.com: A Service of RR Donnelley