Christmas - When is it too early?

  

[CS/Stone News Network, November 11, 2023]

Decades ago,  retailers started to setup their Christmas sales in September. It wasn't bad enough that people were forced to endure more festive music, and yet, Christmas in July was created.

We even see it shortly before Halloween begins to ramp up: The displays of lights, candy, and ornaments trickle into the store displays slowly and menacingly. "This is normal" we tell ourselves, but clearly this is not a normal occurrence.

Wrathful fury engulfs shoppers as they wade through meaningless commercial trope. And I can feel for this hatred: After the 50th Christmas came and went, I was really done with it. Hearing Christmas music can send people into fits of glory or rage - depending on who they are.

You gain a whole new perspective on the holidays when you're a widow. No longer am I trapped with family or so-called 'friends'. It was a relief to finally have the clarity of mind to address the stupidity of the holidays. 

And each year, it seems to start earlier and earlier. In Canada, the bargains usually happened right AFTER Christmas - Boxing Day. In the United States of America, their deals are found on Black Friday. Retailers usually start planning their Christmas items in the mid-to late summertime. 

Speaking to a few people at the mall, Stone News Network captured the feelings of people walking by. Mary, and elderly woman, said "I love Christmas, but by God this season is terribly expensive. Everything is either shrunk down or reduced." I bid Mary farewell as she went into the book store.

A young woman told me "My boyfriend's too stupid to find what I want, so I usually get it after Christmas when the sales are on." Smart woman.

A young man walked up and said he doesn't celebrate Christmas. "It's too commercialized. We live in a society where money is the most important thing to people. What's the point of sending a card when all they do is throw it away?" 

Good point. The wasteful wrapping and gift discards. Those awful Christmas holiday parties at work. 

A few years ago a co-worker got fired for dry-humping the CEO's assistant on the dance floor.

It was a December to remember.