In Need of a Silent Night
I make the same mistake every year, shopping for Christmas at the mall or almost anywhere for that matter. Your senses get full. Crying children, the shopping, the buying, the standing in line. People pushing, others shoving, the traffic. We endure an assault of Christmas TV commercials and email pitches, which start earlier every year. Remember that really hot week in the first week of September? I was at a retail store where Christmas stuff was already out! I remember sweating as I asked someone the price of the Santa garden shovel.
What the flock is going on? Did our parents keep this kind of frantic holiday pace, or is this just a different world than it used to be? A friend asked someone in Italy if Christmas was the big commercial venture that we are familiar with in the States. He said, “yes!” To avoid an over the top commercial Christmas, he advised the only place to hide is in a Muslim country. Something has gone wrong. I believe the shepherds watch over their flock not the clock.
It’s disappointing that the retailers have taken a major Christian holiday hostage and we don’t realize it. When you think about it, the overthrow of Christmas should be politically incorrect. Christmas is a celebration of Christ not credit cards. As a result of the commercial frenzy that has become part of the holidays we get stressed out. Everyone is trying to buy some Christmas peace.
I have a solution. Since Christmas creeps in earlier every year, why not just have it never stop. Christmas season and Christmas campaigning would go on all year. Christmas wouldn’t replace the other holidays, just exist alongside them.
For instance on Mother’s Day we would say Merry Mother’s Day! During July in the heat of summer while celebrating our country’s independence, I propose we blast off fireworks in the colors of red and green instead of red, white and blue. Lee Greenwoods iconic patriotic song “God bless the USA” could be changed “To God Bless U Santa.” For the more conservative, you could quietly celebrate Christmas all year by wearing christmas underwear. Only you will know.
Is this what it has come down to?
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here, to end this crazy season with a silent night.
Being an optimist, I see one upside. For those of you who leave your Christmas lights up all year, you will now be fashionable.
Roderick Reed owns REEDesign Interiors in Laguna Beach. He lives in town with his wife Kathy and two sons Mason and Jack. http://roderickreed.com/.
excellent writing!