What an interesting time of the year. In many ways it is my favorite. Cooler weather. Lights and smells and music. I like the trees and the Christmas lights.
I worked retail for a bit. Christmas time was the worst, and in fact, for several years after that experience, SOF had to do all our shopping. I coulnd't bring myself to go to a mall. I still avoid them, and do much of my shopping online. I remember watching people turn into crazed idiots during Christmas.
And the constant lament about consumerism gets a little old. Not that it isn't a valid complaint, but consumerism is a problem well beyond Christmas. But many don't mind the consumerism and greed the other parts of the year. And as Americans, we are kind of forced to consume this time of year. Our economic outlook is often tied to how brisk Christmas sales are.
Historians tell us that Christmas (in this country) has always been a contested time--and has been very tied to consumerism. For all the complaints about missing "the reason for the season," Americans have never really celebrated it the way they tell themselves they should.
Well, all that aside, I am going to enjoy the season as much as I can. I remember a church from my childhood only singing Christmas carols right before Christmas day or Eve. No Advent, no real embracing of the season. And then the much anticipated Christmas morning (we opened presents then) and the much hated let down. SOF and I try to make it a longer experience.
So here is hoping that you all enjoy the Christmas season. If you are feeling down, drop by Heifer or Pura Vida and help them out.
1 comment:
I agree with you about the "constant lament about consumerism." Sometimes people complaining can get as bad as what they are complaining about. It's a holiday double-whammy.
I wonder if this phenomenon is just a way for some to strut how pious they are. Funny how most of the people that I hear saying such things are scooting around town in SUVs and not looking back.
In fact, I was thinking about this declension theory of Christmas consumerism just a few hours ago. My wife and I were watching the yearly broadcast of "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown." (All my friends know I have a soft spot for Snoopy, and I feel like Charlie Brown much of the time, right down to the facial expression. Good grief.)
Anyway, back to consumerism. Watching the show, I was reminded that it first aired in 1965. As we all know, the theme of the show is Charlie Brown lamenting the loss of the Christmas message to crass commercialism, and it takes Linus to set him straight.
1965. So I don't think things have gotten worse. In fact, I think things have gotten better, since those metal Christmas "trees" have gone out of style.
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