by Daniel Cloud

Created on: February 06, 2011

Christmas is far too commercialized, and believe it or not, at one point in time meant more than toys for the kids, or new smart phones for mom and dad. The old values of Christmas have slowly disappeared in the United States at least, due to people falling for advertising. Advertising is probably the number one stimulant for increased retail sales during the holidays.

My grandparents used to say, "Back in my day we only got one present and we were so happy." In the days before mass media advertising, Christmas was about the family, about the actual story of Jesus and praising Him for his birth. Most of the religious aspects of Christmas have been traded in for a focus on decorations and material items.

I firmly believe that each year, Christmas becomes less of a holiday, and more of a shopping spree. Once again, the massive amount of advertising that goes into the holiday jumps leaps and bounds over the true meanings behind Christmas. Every store has a special "sale" or "special offer" to entice buyers into buying more than they intend. Advertising is a slick business of convincing a consumer that they in fact, need more and more. The trend continues each year becoming worse and worse.

I am not here to bash on companies seeking a profit, but when the main purpose of celebrating Christmas is to obtain more material possessions, people have forgotten what Christmas means. Christmas is not a 10% off everything in the store sale or even the concept of Santa Clause. I'm sure each year, Santa is asked for more and more expensive presents, as kids continue to want more and more. It's a cycle that should not happen, but parents usually give-in and splurge on their children.

The focus of Christmas should be on Jesus, not gifts. However, most people celebrating Christmas are doing it in such a fashion that it is all about gifts. Are your kids truly thankful to you for that new Playstation 3 or Xbox 360? Or is it superficial; a thanks for "unloading your wallet on me."

While children receiving gifts from their parents accounts for the majority of gift-giving, those financially well-off dive into excess buying for friends and family. The old saying, "It's the thought that counts" has been replaced with "Look how much money I spent on you." Christmas can be a competition for many, and that is, pun intended, the polar opposite of why we should celebrate Christmas.

I encourage everyone to examine their actions, attitudes, and practices during the next holiday season. Are you giving in more and more? Or are you realizing the importance of Christmas lies in religious beliefs and gifts that are acts of kindness, not dollar signs, sales, and excessive amounts of presents. Think hard to yourself if you are in the advertising vacuum or truly in the Christmas spirit. Happy holidays to all!

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