Is it just me or have the holidays become even more about commercialism? When I was a kid, sure, we got gifts. But, it wasn’t really about the sales. I distinctly remember both of my grandmothers and my grandfather all coming together to celebrate holidays.
It was even more interesting for me because one side of my family was Catholic and the other side was Jewish. Which is which is not important here.
But, I digress.
Sure, we all exchanged some sort of gift. But, it really wasn’t about that at all. It was about coming together happy in the knowledge that we were one big happy family who celebrated our separate cultures.
However, over the past few years, there has been a distinct change of what the holiday season really means to people. People don’t take as much time to reflect on the love for one another.
That’s especially true this year.
People from all over the country gobbled up the Thanksgiving turkey. But, did they take the traditional post-meal nap or get ready to watch all the football games? Nope! Many families put everything away quickly to do some camping in the local store parking lots.
Several stores, such as Walmart, Best Buy and even Staples opened their doors during Thanksgiving night to welcome the barrage of shoppers who wanted those early deals on things like TV’s, computers and other assorted items.
Many customers braved the cold, and in some places rainy, weather just to be the first one to get Little Jimmy the new X-Box One. It didn’t matter that they would get sick later. Is that the new standard of love?
Almost gone are the days when families just reveled in the comfort of just being together on the couch sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows by the fireplace.
The meaning of the holiday season really has changed over time. In today’s world, commercialism rules over just about everything. Sure, having presents under the tree is nice.
But, shouldn’t the tree, the lights and the meaning behind it all be the main focus? After all, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, it’s the meaning behind both of these sacred holidays that were originally focused upon.
However, nowadays, it’s all about what things you brought for the kids or how much you brought for them. I guess the meaning of Christmas seems to have changed.
I hope I’m wrong. But, if I’m not, here’s your big screen TV. Happy holidays!