I love this time of year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the best. Mostly it is because of my love for my family, and how we treasure spending time with one another. But I couldn't help but to notice something as I went shopping this holiday season. I have noticed it for the past few years, but for some reason, this year just made me come to a realization. We, as in people (in general) just do not get what Christmas is all about. Or, we have forgotten what it is all about.

I know that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", and as a fellow believer in Christ, I believe this to be true. But I want to talk about how we have allowed Christmas to become so commercialized that it seems we only care about getting our children or our loved ones what they desire...no matter what it costs. Sure, making our kids happy is great. Nothing wrong with that. But a gift should not be what makes a kid happy. Sad to say, in alot of cases, this is how we show love nowadays.

Look at Ebay. Right now, kids want the Wii, and you can't find it in stores. So, naturally, Ebay is loaded with people who do get them in the hopes of turning a profit. Nothing wrong with that, but a Wii which will run you about $250 bucks plus tax at the store is now going for $1000 or more on Ebay. Why? Cause a parent wants to please there kid. Heck, I even know a guy who paid $1700 for a XBOX 360 when it came out, and it put him in a huge bind.....but hey, he pleased his kid. I just find something wrong with this.

And when out shopping, people are just flat out rude cause they have no patience anymore. This is the time of year when we are supposed to be happy, when we look back on the good things that happened, and hope for a better new year due to the hardships, heartaches and such we endured. I honestly remember a time when people were curtious. When out shopping we would not chastise someone for bumping into us at the mall. Or get so frustrated and honk and shout at people because they couldn't load there gifts into there vehicle all because you are waiting for there spot. Does it really hurt to say something nice to someone nowadays? If so, then we have just become a sad lot.

We are selfish people. We really are. We forget that there are those who are less fortunate. We forget that some children won't have a Christmas. That for those kids, one gift will make them believe in a Santa Claus. Folks, we really have fallen far. I never did have a Christmas where I lacked anything. But my folks made sure I understood that Christmas had much more meaning than gifts. I never forgot that. People just don't think that way anymore. Well, some do.....and that is a shame.

Not trying to be a downer here. Just making an observation. This is the time of year to be happy. But let's not forget what it is all about. Spread the love people.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.

good to see theres someone else out there thinking the same way i do. I think theres a lot more decent people aroun, they're just hiding.

kill em all

Great post Goof,and people wonder why everyone hates the USA. The majority of the people in this country have become so self centered and ignorant to everybody else around them. People forget that we are all in this together.Have a great holiday everyone and remember good will towards man (and women)

people are not going to change this either. I watch people take out loans and put themselves in debt to buy everything for christmas.
I know a woman that told me "its just not christmas unless you spend at least $1,000 on each of your kids"
The only thing I like about christmas anymore, is when it's over.

So true Scotty. And okdude, there are plenty of people who feel this way man.

Now to Jill's comments. Especially the last one of "The only thing I like about Christmas anymore, is when it's over". See, I am starting to get like that myself. So are alot of people. You just get tired of what the season has turned into. The only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I give to others. I won't say what I do, cause that crap does not need to be advertised. I mean, it isn't about me going "Look at me and how much or what I am giving." It is all about the act itself, and the fact that you wanna give.

And Johnny... While I would like to kill some, I think we should try a different approach....like electro shock therapy and mind tapping to make people be more nice.

Wonderful and thought provoking post Goofball.

Christmas is what you make it for yourself. Commercializing can only happen with consumers. If you want it to be different for your family make it different. We are not victims of commercializing, we are the makers of commercializing.

Happy Holidays to all

GREAT THREAD DUDE,,,,,and YES,,,,WE,,,,the US ,,,is getting REALLY,,,,REALLY BAD,,,,,with THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS """ALL"" ABOUT MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Twenty years ago only had to have the husband working, and the family had enough money for everything they needed.

Now we have to have Mom and Dad BOTH working to make there ends meet.
The children go to a day-care and are being raised by strangers..
JUST SO THE FAMILY CAN GET WHAT THEY WANT IN LIFE OR "HAVE-TO-HAVE" IN LIFE!!!
What will it be like in ten more years if WE KEEP going as we ARE?
Families starting to have to put their chidren to work at 14 or 15 years old??? Just to be able to EAT, and LIVE IN A HOME!!!


Merry Christmas to all here, and IF NOBODY CAN DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR ANOTHER PERSON HERE,
AT LEAST SHOW EVERYONE WHO YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH,,,THAT 'YOU' CARE ABOUT 'THEM',.....
MAKE A STRANGER,,,,,'SMILE'......
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

I get what you are saying Dragoness, but we are victims of it too. People caused the commercializing of it, and instead of others standing up, we just seem to go with the flow. Hence, we are victims of what we created. We lost sight of the important things in life. We lost our way when we became more greedy instead of giving. You don't give cause you have to, or for some benefit to ourselves. You give cause you want to, cause you feel lead to. Sadly, I don't think it will get any better.

Great post Goofball73...Good reading.

Christmas has become commercilaized. As to when Jesus was born wasn't Christ actually born late spring early summer.

GOOF!!!!
I posted a similar thread the other day... I completely agree!!!

Merry Christmas, my Friend!

Thanks Singing. And a Merry Christmas to you as well my friend.

I dont know about everywhere but my kids had the best christmas ever this year because we volunteered for toys for tot this year and we spent the last two days delivering toys all around our town. Hell they didnt even care how many gifts they got. I spent around 200 bucks on both my kids together. But I bet they remember this Christmas forever. If you feel that Christmas is losing its meaning do something that helps you remember the good in people.

goofball, I totally understand and this x-mas our whole family agreed no gifts. Just getting together for the sake of family time. I couldn't be there but I was there in spirit. Wish they would do this every Christmas. And who cares when Christ was born, at least we still akknowledge it. Peace