What Is The Deal
With
The Holiday Season?
by Jan A. Larson
The holiday season is upon us.
I might have used the term "Christmas season" but, of
course, in America today, using such an inflammatory term might
offend the sensibilities of those that choose not to celebrate
Christmas for whatever reason. This is the time of year when
sensibilities should definitely not be offended thus,
"holiday season." My
company is having a "holiday party" and our company
holiday schedule refers to the days off that we are granted at
this time of year, the "winter holidays." Every
year, it seems, there is another story in the news of some city,
town, village or municipality that gets hit with a lawsuit over
crossing the line when it comes to Christmas.
Christmas isn't what it used to be.
It has become so commercialized and, if the trend continues, the
Christmas sales will soon be starting on the Fourth of July rather
than what used to be the traditional opening on Thanksgiving
weekend. Many retailers' fortunes are heavily dependent on
holiday season sales. Without the massive advertising
campaigns and extended selling seasons, many would not turn a
profit. No wonder Americans are "encouraged" to
buy, buy, buy!
I wonder just how many people
really look forward to and truly enjoy the holidays? Just
about everyone will tell you that they eat too much. They
spend too much and those credit card bills always come due in
January. Children enjoy the holidays because they don't have
to do the shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating or pay the
bills. Many adults, however, are burdened with having to buy
gifts for people that seemingly have everything or children that
can never have enough. Is a gift really worth giving or
receiving if it is something that is given out of habit or
obligation? Sure it can be fun to get together with family
and/or friends at the holidays but why wait until the holidays to
see them? Why wait until the holidays to give someone a
gift?
The holidays can be stressful and
taxing, but in the big picture, there is no reason to have a
holiday season if there isn't time to reflect on just why we have
them in the first place. No matter if you choose to
celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else entirely,
it is important to stop and smell the cookies and make an effort
to enjoy the season. After all, it won't be the holiday
season for another whole year, or at least until the Fourth of
July.
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Jan A. Larson publishes a weekly
commentary, "What is the Deal?" at the Pie of Knowledge
(http://www.pieofknowledge.com).
Guest columnists are welcome to submit topical, thought provoking
articles from the left or the right.
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