by T.Michelle Canon

Created on: December 18, 2008   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

For some, Halloween starts a three month spree of sweets and people dressing in funny clothes which comes to a climax at midnight New Years Day.  However, Christmas is the major event for most.  But should it overshadow the other holidays around it?  Walking through the aisles of a Target, H-E-B, or Wal-Mart in October and you may find more Christmas decorations than Halloween costumes.  If you’re looking for Thanksgiving decorations in November – your best chance might be a craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.

Christmas commercials start earlier every year.  At first it was Black Friday.  Now there’s pre-Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Cyber Monday continued.  You companies hold off on releasing “The Christmas gift of (enter the current year here)”; then they only make a limited amount.  Who remembers Ferbie or Tickle Me Elmo?  Even though stores are opening earlier and earlier, some on Thanksgiving Day, lines start in front of stores before many families have finished Thanksgiving dinner.  Now, Grandpa Fred is asleep in the easy chair while everyone else is out shopping.  People are trampled as stores open their doors:  A Wal-Mart employee in 2008 was killed and in 2010 a customer was injured in front of a Target store.  Black Friday 2011 saw a woman pepper spray 10 other customers. 

Toys for Tots have been asking for ‘new’ unwrapped gifts for many years even though many used toys and game systems are in excellent condition.  Christmas appeals in the news are filled with desires for game systems and computers.  The hype’s not just for children either.  Adults are scrambling for grown-up toys under the tree:  power tools, HDTV’s, diamonds, and vehicles.  What happened to the family enjoying the day by spending time with one another?

The epitome of Christmas will always be the excitement of waking up in the morning to a full stocking hanging near a beautifully decorated tree with presents piled under it; wrapping paper of red, green, and gold sparkling in the light, beckoning to rip it apart, to reveal the wonders inside.  What about the words in various forms spoken during the prayer before Holiday meals:  Thank you Lord for the gifts of a happy and healthy family gathered around this table.

Christmas will get as bad as society and economy allow.  There will always be long lines waiting for the next great fad or sale.  What should be remembered is the true spirit of the season:  Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards men (and women).  Please keep this in your hearts and give it to all those you encounter.  Happy Holidays all year!

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