I guess that is one way to get the reader hooked...but really, I am serious, maybe I am much too cynical. It's not like I had a bad experience growing up, I guess I had your pretty average, Santa-hating, home-made presents, too much familiy, country Christmas. I'm not saying that I'm above the problem, I am just calling it out like I see it, i'll just name a few reasons why:
-Obviously we are all clones and have bought into the BIG business of the Holiday season. According to a survey done last year, the average American family spends $835 dollars on Christmas presents. That number is ghastly to me.
-If the Holiday season is supposed to be such a joyous time of year why is it that it has the highest death rate? :
"...They compared the number of deaths during the holiday period, which they defined as Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, to the number of deaths that would be expected at that time of year if deaths from natural causes were unaffected by the holidays. The authors estimated that during the Christmas-New Year holidays, there were about 42,039 more deaths during the 26-year study period than would be expected without the “holiday effect.”..."
-During the Holiday season people seem to be much more aware of what they do or do not have. To me, the "holiday effect," is that people have higher expectations and unrealistic idea that things are supposed to be picture perfect. gag me...no one is perfect.
-Yes giving is a wonderful thing. But for some strange reason a majority of American's believe that is the only time that the poor are in need. Why is it that this is the only time that people feel like giving?
-Santa Clause. period.
But let's look on the bright side of thing...
-Yes I enjoy traditions that are meaningful and give you the warm-fuzzies
- I love that holidays bring people together and that they give people something to look forward to.
-And even though it is primarily seasonal giving...I love the fact that people seem to take on an altruistic character compared to the egoistic one that seems all too prevelant during the 10 month long off season from the holidays
So maybe I am too cynical. There are some wonderful things that can come from the consumer-driven and fabricated lie...just kidding. This year I want to do things differently then Middle-America, maybe then I can be a more cup is half full kind of gal...
3 comments:
You make me laugh Jac! I have to say I LOVE the Christmas season - and I believe in Santa Claus. I understand the frustration of the season, however, and hope to instill a magical yet Christ centered feel of the season to my children.
I do have to tell you your fact about the death rate - related to suicide during the holiday season is false. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (a link off of the CDC) states,
"Most popular press articles suggest a link between the winter holidays and suicides (Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania 2003). However, this claim is just a myth. In fact, suicide rates in the United States are lowest in the winter and highest in the spring (CDC 1985, McCleary et al. 1991, Warren et al. 1983)."
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/suifacts.htm
That is a myth I thought was true until just this year.
So my friend - I hope that you strive to do things differently so that you too will enjoy the magic of this wonderful time of year:-).
Love, Your cup is half full friend!
I am a big fan of the holidays, as well as Colie- but I believe it is the taking of time for family and tradition- and the reflection of THE gift we live for...
I am too tired to look up the references for you, but would be remiss as an RN if I didn't point out on this discussion, that depression is, at this time of year, at an all time high. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) the holidays and loss of loved ones, loneliness, and yes- the commercialism and selfishness of our society adds to the risk factors for depression. I see the Holiday season as a wake-up/ shake-up time for me personally to take account, and to reach out to those who are affected by tragedy- whether self-inflicted, or society driven. But after all, the Bible is full of feasts and celebrations- find a way to honor the one where your heart sings!
Oh Jac I'm right there with ya! For the last 3 years, I have struggled immensely to enjoy the holiday season. I can't. Simply put. So if you ever need someone to empathize with you, I'M RIGHT HERE WITH YA! haha. Love ya!
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