Xmas over-commercialized ?

[Itsunari 2000]

Concerning Xmas ,traditionally a time for embracing principles of generosity , goodwill and peace , I'd just like to raise the subject of commercializiation.

Has the traditional spirit of Christmas been totally replaced , if not eradicated by pure capitalism and consumerist greed ?

Though an atheist , and not a devout purist Christian , I think we should still confront the subject in a time which I feel , tradition and antiquity is slowly being crushed out of society.

Anyone of any nationality , faith or political persuasion is welcome to give their response on this matter ( I'd particularly like responses from Americans , given their country's capitalist nature.)

[Lionx]

Well to me its always been something economical, the American economy is based mostly on consumer spending if i remember right, and usually around this time of year because of all the spending the economy usually gets a boost. My family doesnt really celebrate this holiday(well as much as i like to feel the 'spirit' you say they do have the right not to). But i at school before i usually dont even get that feel even when they celebrate it or when i go to a friend's. Because so fast after Thanksgiving, Christmas sales and deals were already popping up.

Like my friend said, its all about the Thanksgiving deals man! And so is Christmas and i do honestly feel thats mostly it...well unless you are very religious i would think.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

In a word, yes. It's a religious holiday and the commercialism can be rather annoying, as can the crowds and the rude people cussing you out in the parking lot instead of moving swinging out about two feet to avoid you.

[Flying Mullet]

It's been commercialized for a few decades now.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Doesn't make it any less irritating.

[Flying Mullet]

I didn't say that it wasn't irritating. I was responding to the first post stating that Christmas has been commercialized for a long time. Companies just find better ways to capitalize off of it as the years go on and they are allowed to get away with more all in the name of "Christmas Cheer" and "Good will towards all".

[DeBlayde]

The best part of christmas has been being with my family, laughing and having a good time. Once my sisters and I left home, we never saw much of each other over the course of the year, so we get along much better on the few occasions we do see each other.

thus, the buy buy buy spend spend spend mentality is frustrating.

*unrelated note* Know how everybody's always complaining that "Oh, it's Satan's Work, taking the Christ outta Christmas! It's shameful! just Shameful!" Jesus was actually born in the spring sometime. right around the time of year when the sheep are giving birth. That's the only time the Shepherds stayed out in the fields with them at night. *now back to your relevant topic*

commercialism is especially frustrating because I haven't much money to spend. but I'm not one who needs stuff. stuff = clutter. I hates clutter.

[The Captain]

Wasn't Jesus born in April? How did Christmas thrive despite the fact that the whole point of the holiday is in fact not true?

Take care all.

[Axamenta]

I believe the heathens had some sort of festival for the Sun on December 25th, and Christians held Christmas on the same day, so everybody could celebrate together.

[crono_logical]

The advantage of it being commercialised means for us that don't celebrate, the best time to buy stuff is straight after in the sales

[Shadow Nexus]

Wasn't Jesus born in April? How did Christmas thrive despite the fact that the whole point of the holiday is in fact not true?

Take care all.

It was done by the church in order to cover up the celebration of the "saturninos" (or something like that), a Roman party in honor to Saturn.

Now, in reference to comercialization, this Roman party had as a tradition to buy gifts for other people, but they were more like representative gifts than actual gifts. Or in other words, even rich families bought simple gifts, such as oil, salt, etc.

Today...well...yeah, it's irritating. Of course, I am being a hypocrite, because despite the fact I absolutely hate Chirstmas in everything (yes, I don't like the whole family thing), I don't reject the money I get on the season. I don't reject it because, basically, as a student, I don't get money normally, so the only more or less decent income I get is on my birthday and on christmas. When I start working, I'll just quit accepting presents, basically because I will be able to get money myself.

Yeah; I know the perfectly correct thing would be to work and study at the same time, and not celebrate Christmas. But frankly, I'm too lazy.