I remember a time where Thanksgiving represented the start of the holiday season. Regardless of how one celebrates the holidays, December promotes a feeling of mutual caring and warmth towards others. Unfortunately, in recent years, the holiday season seems to be less about the spirit of friendly exchange with one another and more about a debt collection. Here is a small look on what has happened.
There is a discrepancy between the holiday seasons of the past and present. Traditionally, the giving a gift to somebody was supposed to be a sign of affection, appreciation, or a reminder that the person receiving the gift is cherished. Over time, reciprocal gift giving resembled a mutual debt collection. Black Friday is probably one of the most visible ways to see how the holiday season lost its way. The commercialization of the holiday season has convinced the masses that the expression of affection or love is directly proportional to the size or expense of the gift one can give.
Many times, I have heard stories and witnessed occasions when person A got person B a gift that was far more elaborate than what was needed. Commonly, the emphasis is placed on the thought counting more than the gift itself. My interpretation is that thought is an important aspect to the gift. A special feeling comes from a gift given based on how well one person truly knows the other. It's not too often someone will argue with a high definition television, but that kind of gift can be found missing a certain emotional significance. What makes the holiday season feel like a time for debt collection is that person A is trying to give a gift to person B that is at least equal in value. Only after reaching a certain mark is the feeling of debt escaped.
The measures people take to get a prized gift is also reflective of a change in holiday mentality. Every year, people line up outside of stores well before dawn to make an attempt at grabbing a highly desired phone that is in limited supply. It is no longer surprising to hear of how people got pushed around, hurt, or cheated because of the competition to get the same gift. Typically, the simple sentiment behind gift giving became a competition to show who loves their family and friends most.
Many times, I have heard stories and witnessed occasions when person A got person B a gift that was far more elaborate than what was needed. Commonly, the emphasis is placed on the thought counting more than the gift itself. My interpretation is that thought is an important aspect to the gift. A special feeling comes from a gift given based on how well one person truly knows the other. It's not too often someone will argue with a high definition television, but that kind of gift can be found missing a certain emotional significance. What makes the holiday season feel like a time for debt collection is that person A is trying to give a gift to person B that is at least equal in value. Only after reaching a certain mark is the feeling of debt escaped.
The measures people take to get a prized gift is also reflective of a change in holiday mentality. Every year, people line up outside of stores well before dawn to make an attempt at grabbing a highly desired phone that is in limited supply. It is no longer surprising to hear of how people got pushed around, hurt, or cheated because of the competition to get the same gift. Typically, the simple sentiment behind gift giving became a competition to show who loves their family and friends most.
The measures people take to get a prized gift is also reflective of a change in holiday mentality. Every year, people line up outside of stores well before dawn to make an attempt at grabbing a highly desired phone that is in limited supply. It is no longer surprising to hear of how people got pushed around, hurt, or cheated because of the competition to get the same gift. Typically, the simple sentiment behind gift giving became a competition to show who loves their family and friends most.
Maybe comparing past and present holidays is not fair. Perhaps as one gets older, the child like innocence the holidays got lost some where growing up. However, it is difficult to ignore the rush of the holiday season. One can't escape the horror stories after coming back from the mall or failing to get the perfect gift at the seventh store.
About the Author:
Maybe comparing past and present holidays is not fair. Perhaps as one gets older, the child like innocence the holidays got lost some where growing up. However, it is difficult to ignore the rush of the holiday season. One can't escape the horror stories after coming back from the mall or failing to get the perfect gift at the seventh store.
About the Author:
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