by Lewis J Rhodes

Created on: December 07, 2008

It is sad to think of Christmas as a time of stress, hurt, loneliness and commercialism. Perhaps a little overreaction here, but to me the whole principle, concept, and spirit of Christmas has disappeared. Caught up in the philosophy essential giving, which by the way has been created by consumerism, we drag our way through a holiday, many wish never existed.

There is nothing wrong with giving, but somewhere in my memory banks I am prompted by the thought that gifts were originally hand made by the giver? Perhaps I'm wrong, but it's a thought that makes sense.

To pass a shop and say, "Gee, I'm sure Peter/Mary would love that!", is great. On finding the item is well within budget, a truly great thought and gift has resulted. To ask the question, "I really don't know what to buy Peter/Mary", is already heading into the doubtful motive of giving because it is expected?

In the spirit of the Victorian originators, I would say the greatest gift of all, is "goodwill to all". I am afraid the commercialisation of this festival has destroyed the Scrooge message, and we find ourselves caught up in the wants and expectations of many. Regrettably, our lives become governed by the expectations, status and material value of gifts, rather than, from what I ascertain, was originally meant to express caring and love.

Among many young, the mystery and surprise of Christmas morning is now an investigation into whether the latest i pod, computer game and cell phone, has eventually arrived. The wrong gift brings with it displeasure, and disappointment; not the spirit so important in the philosophy of this festival.

I wonder how much commercialisation takes place in countries with the starving millions in our world?

Perhaps I'm reaching my sell by date, but I wonder how many reading this article, remember when a single gift was what sat under the tree on Christmas morning. I wonder how many reading this article received a renovated bicycle, good second hand mattress, or even school clothes? I came from a family that was considered OK financially, but I was never in the horrible situation where my gifts lay discarded and unused after a very short lived interest.

Christmas has become synonymous with debt and hardship. The excessive spending, brought, by the way, by commercial pressure, leaves us paying the price for the rest of the year, if not longer.

Yes, Christmas is commercialised, and in the end goodwill and cheer are not the result.

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