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Christmas
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| Yes | 88% | 857 votes | Total: 977 votes | |
| No | 12% | 120 votes |
Yes
by Terri Odland
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Add to FavoritesWhen we were little, I remember Christmas felt like the warmest time of the year and it seemed like no matter what, life was good and that families truly loved one another and wanted to spend time together. Now it has turned into how much money to spend and who is throwing he best party.
The whole reason for this time of year has been reduced to nothing more than a grand retail event that has commercialized one of the most important celebrations that we have, which for a lot of people has produced alot of unnecessary stress. Because we have done this we have really ruined the fun and feeling of love and joy that used to surround this time of year.
I remember when my mom would get ready for Christmas dinner,the home made pies and the turkey cooking in the oven. I remember decorating the Christmas tree as a family and we used to sit around and string popcorn to put on the tree, for us it was some of the best family time we had.
When my children were little we would all go and look for a Christmas tree at a local tree farm. At this particular tree farm they raised all different types of birds also and when we would go to find that perfect tree, they would give us a cup of bird food so that while we were walking around looking for a tree the kids would feed the birds. They looked forward to this, it was fun and different, a lot better than going to the store and buying an artificial one. It gave them a childhood memory.
I think when we take away the true meaning of Christmas which is the celebration of the birth of Christ, we take away the one reason for the season. This is one holiday that should bring the whole family together to celebrate what the birth of Christ did for us, which was show us true unconditional love and brought hope into a world that was filled with hopelessness.
For me Christmas is a way to celebrate the gift of family, not just the act of gift giving but to celebrate the gift we were given. The way we celebrate this season now just creates an atmosphere of depression for many and dept for many more. We have planted a seed full of greed into our children and they expect so much, and if they don't get what they want they get angry, instead of being grateful to get anything at all. It's just sad.
Our family has been through tragedy recently, I lost my 2 daughters in a car accident on Jan 5,2006 so the holidays are not the same. We have been brought closer as a family, we really try not to take for granted the fact that things can change in the blink of an eye. Holidays for us are only about being able to spend time with those we love. We don't stress about all the shopping. Honestly most Americans buy for themselves all year long, we see what we want and we get it. There's probably not very much we have waited all year for so we can get it at Christmas time. We don't buy things we need during this time, usually we buy stuff to add to the stuff we already have, or we buy something just to have gifts under the tree.
Christmas is too commercialized and it robs people from experiencing a peaceful and joyous time due to all the stresses that are put on us to figure out how many things to buy and how much money to borrow to get it. So I would suggest that maybe try something different and not make it so stressful and make it more family oriented and invite some friends over or people that you know wont have a family to celebrate this holiday with. Invite a soldier and their family if they aren't able to make it home for Christmas. I guess what I'm saying is to just do something to bring some meaning back into this season and show others that it is supposed to be a joyous and celebrated time, but it should be in our homes not in the malls!
Have a happy and joy filled season and give thanks for what you have and the family you have to share it with.
Learn more about this author, Terri Odland.
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No
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.
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