Bah! Humbug!

WARNING: This post may be offensive to some as it presents a rather negative view of Christmas. Read it at your own risk.

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I guess I’ve gotten cranky (crankier?) in my old age, but I find little joy in Christmas anymore. The commercialization is probably the biggest negative, but it’s just the whole event. Perhaps if it wasn’t considered such a “religious” holiday, I might be a little less Scroogy … but there are still things about this holiday that leave me with several negative feelings.

One thing I really dislike is the (over) spending parents do to ensure “Santa Claus” brings lots of toys and goodies to their kids. In many families, the children’s bedrooms are already ceiling-high with games, dolls, toy trucks, etc., but simply because ’tis the season, several more get added (most of which are ignored within a matter of days).

And along these same lines, I think the money various people/organizations collect to provide “toys for tots” could be far better spent on homeless individuals, many of whom can barely stay warm during this time of the year, let alone enjoy any kind of “holiday” meal. (And beyond that … these same people need to eat and stay warm during the entire winter, not just during the “Holiday Season.”)

While I do enjoy the decorated neighborhood homes, I question how many over-spend to ensure their home has the most lawn decorations and/or the brightest and most colorful lights. In some neighborhoods the competition is so great it creates animosity among friends!

And I can’t forget to mention the “Nativity” programs presented to adoring parents. In many (most?) instances, the children have no clue what the play is about, but they dutifully put on appropriate costumes and learn their lines to “celebrate” the birth of Christ. (Just one more instance of the indoctrination that Christian parents so adamantly deny.)

I have no doubt many of you reading this are also thinking … “And those awful piped-in Christmas carols!” While music can be a pleasant addition to shopping, “seasonal” lyrics leave a lot to be desired for many atheists and non-believers.

Of course no complaint is complete without pointing out the numerous individuals who go deeper into credit card debt in their efforts to buy (over) expensive gifts for the husband/wife and/or other family members … simply because it’s “the holiday.”

And finally, how can one overlook the core reason many/most people even celebrate December 25th? ***It’s the birth date of their Savior!*** Or is it? Many biblical historians believe this designated day is erroneous and that Jesus was actually born in the spring. Nevertheless, the die has been cast and dutiful Christians head for their local parishes and churches to present their gifts of faith. (I can’t help but wonder how many Protestants are aware they are actually celebrating “Christ’s Mass”, a practice originating in the Catholic Church.)

O.K. Before I bring my tirade to a close, I should mention there are some things I enjoy about the season … See’s Candies, Tom and Jerry drinks, pie (apple, pumpkin, mincemeat, pecan … take your pick), yummy frosted cookies, and, oh yes! An opportunity to be with friends and family to enjoy a traditional ham (preferably) dinner.

Oh! And one more thing! It’s only seven days until we get to drink too much champagne (and/or other drinks) on New Year’s Eve! Wheeee!