Has Christmas Become Too Commercial?

[nicholewalters]

I was born in '78, so I grew up through the 80's. Our family Christmas's consisted of the whole family getting together and spending time together. We would have music playing, sitting in front of our tree, unwrapping a small amount of presents that really meant a lot to us because it was what we waited all year for. I remember helping my grandmother make homemade cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate covered pretzels. Every time a Carpenter's Christmas song comes on the radio I have to stop and sing along while I remember my mom playing that record every year and the memories that one song can bring. Life was so simple then, or at least a lot simpler than it is now.

Now-people scramble for the perfect gift, they riot at Black Friday sales, people get mean and rude, families put themselves in debt shopping for Christmas, and there is the other half that feels incredibly horrible when they can't afford any Christmas.

Have we forgotten what the holidays are truly about? They are about spending time with family, helping others, spreading cheer, and creating memories. Do we really think that our children will remember that one year that we bought them that XBOX 360 or PS3 when they become adults? No, they will remember the traditions, the time spent together, and the memories that we help them to create.

This year will be pretty lean for our children due to unemployment and large amounts of bills. But no matter how much money we have had in the past, I have always tried to keep my family traditions to pass on to them. I try to make memories of things we have done instead of things we have received. And I think that in the long run, that is what will stick with them. Because if we don't pass down traditions for not just holidays but everything, what is the future going to look like?

Now you may say I'm wrong, and you may go out and buy a truckload of gifts whether you can afford it or not, that is your choice and I'm not telling you DON'T BUY GIFTS!!! I'm just trying to put it out there that we all need to stop stressing and start doing the little things that will make the holidays memorable. Make it as memorable for your children as your parents made it for you.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All!!!!!

[MSugarKane]

Dec. 8, 2009 at 6:08 AM

Your right, kids remember the traditions, not the gifts at all.