Everyone loves Christmas. Often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the Christmas season is one of the longest. We’re all guilty of it… Christmas music in September, Christmas trees in November, Christmas lights year round. As soon as the temperatures get low, the Christmas spirit gets high.
There are even year round countdowns to Christmas that litter the internet. Its as if Christmas is a thought that pops into your head every day of the year.
But just what is the Christmas spirit? I have an unpopular opinion, but I urge you to at least consider it. In the U.S. Christmas more than anything has become a time to spend money and consume. Companies and stores advertise months in advance for Christmas trees and Christmas deals. Radio stations play Christmas music as early as September and helps perpetuate the idea, maybe even subconsciously, that Christmas is coming…and it’s a time to purchase. It ultimately extends the buying period, getting the most money from consumers as possible, making Christmas shopping a four season ordeal.
When we think of Christmas, many think of material items in the form of gifts, and believe that the way to show people we care about them is to give them more objects that they likely do not need. When was the last time you really used that sparkly chapstick your well meaning Aunt Jane sent you? Consumerism takes over, and if you don’t participate in the buying and spending, you can even be thought of as inconsiderate. Not only does this continue the spending culture, but also greatly affects our environment. The energy used to produce that xbox or laptop you bought or received may be small in one sense, but they are mass produced products, as many of the most purchased gifts are. Not only that, but items like laptops and phones are made to break quickly and that leaves us with the problem of disposal and ultimately more consumerism.
This Christmas, I encourage you to really think about those ten “ugly Christmas sweaters” you’re purchasing, and what went into making them. Where they will be in a month? Think about whether or not a new pair of $300 sunglasses will really make you happier. Think about the real meaning of Christmas, and use it as more than a time to spend money on other people. Use it as a time to love friends and family and use it wisely.
Photos:
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6b/c5/d3/6bc5d3a26c2bff153ff5f1d0c30399d2–funny-dog-memes-dog-funnies.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fb/12/24/fb1224365e9a113749a58a8ed2f285ee–christmas-countdown.jpg