Christmas - Every Day of the Year? In our paper the Pocono Record, yesterday there was an article about the local Target Store getting ready for Christmas. There was a front page article and picture of a cute little girl, smiling in red dress, saying hello to Santa; yes, Santa was already in his Village and the Store Manager indicated they are already set-up for the holiday. It's not even Halloween yet and our great economic christmas engine, in some places, is ready to go. In our culture, Halloween is another strong economic engine, roaring into Thanksgiving and then Christmas; so in a way its fitting that some how they have merged into each other.
When I was a child I remember waiting for the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for Santa to arrive. Well it seems, this year, Santa has gotten here before Halloween.
Christmas Day
Perhaps, one day we will be celebrating Christmas every day of the week. Already, I've noticed some people leave-up their Christmas decorations all year long. For several years, I've done that with lights on 2 small christmas trees in front of our house.
Jesus's teaching was that 'we remember to love and treat our neighbor as our self;' and this should be the way we live everyday. Well it seems the retailers are doing there best to get christmas out there every day, so we will have the christmas spirit and purchase, purchase.
Now, there is nothing wrong with giving presents in moderation; it is a joyous celebration. Personally, I just worry about the poor folks, the disabled, and the hungry who in our culture feel that extra pressure, because they do not have the money to purchase presents. For them, christmas is a depressing, sad time and not something to be happily anticipated. This year with more people out of work, we will all have to work a little harder to spread the christmas spirit.
Sometimes, I think people and retailers have forgotten that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Sadly, many children grow-up being attached to the things they can buy and get as presents. They are hooked as consumers at a very early age, and learn very late in life the really important things cannot be purchased.
We must remember 'a purpose driven life' includes gifts of the spirit, sharing with each other; doing anonymous works of service and helping others.
Santa is a wonderful story/tradition that people have made-up, and in our capitalistic culture, some people have turned it into a year round business.
So, when I see a department store picture of a little girl and Santa on the front page of our newspaper on 10/25 I grow a little sadder.
On 10/25, I would rather see Santa at a shelter with the homeless giving out food, clothing, and fun presents.
Christmas - Every Day of the Year?
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