Here we are at the holidays again. It seems to me that this is the time of year where people call up their best representatives of themselves and all of sudden every stranger they see is all smiles and cheers. I don't need the bullshit "merry Christmas" and "happy holiday" greetings, when if this is 2 months prior I become a typical stranger-capable of murder, robbery, assault etc. And treated accordingly [quick, wary eyed glances].
Moreover, lets remember this holiday has been commercialized so thoroughly its become a national concern over whether to refer to Christmas trees as "holiday trees" and "happy holiday" whatever that may be. All so the retailers can bring in as much money as possible from people who may not be christians, or even believe in God by not offending them with what the holiday is supposed to be about-celebrating Christ's birthday. I'm not a religious person but for those who are the holiday traditions and even the date are believed by many scholars to be the result of political and syncretic actions. Many of these traditions ie. gift exchanging, mistletoe, Christmas tree, originated with pagan traditions many stemming from a roman holiday celebrating "saturnalia." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas] What surprised me about all this bullshit is that religious people don't even know the origins or at least the controversy surrounding one of their most important holidays.
Another thing. I'm fuckin sick of feeling like I have to empty my life savings to give people gifts they would actually want, because of the absolute commercialism associated with this holiday. And I'm guilty too-my expectations are always higher than they should be. I always believe I'll finally get that one gift I asked for but when I open up my box full of sweaters I die inside a little. Its a little disappointing but that's my fault. I shouldn't expect a fuckin 250 dollar nano, or 300 dollar digital camera, but I do. Fuckin garbage. Why can't it just be about spending time with people you love giving the gift of love or a small token of appreciation.
I'm lucky also in that when the holiday's come around my family is small so I don't have to buy 20 gifts for cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc. that I probably don't see or no and maybe not even like.
If anyone one is out there with some "entertaining" family holiday stories I'd love to hear it. Let me know if you feel my pain, or if I'm just a cynical bastard. All contributions are welcome. [email protected]
Moreover, lets remember this holiday has been commercialized so thoroughly its become a national concern over whether to refer to Christmas trees as "holiday trees" and "happy holiday" whatever that may be. All so the retailers can bring in as much money as possible from people who may not be christians, or even believe in God by not offending them with what the holiday is supposed to be about-celebrating Christ's birthday. I'm not a religious person but for those who are the holiday traditions and even the date are believed by many scholars to be the result of political and syncretic actions. Many of these traditions ie. gift exchanging, mistletoe, Christmas tree, originated with pagan traditions many stemming from a roman holiday celebrating "saturnalia." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas] What surprised me about all this bullshit is that religious people don't even know the origins or at least the controversy surrounding one of their most important holidays.
Another thing. I'm fuckin sick of feeling like I have to empty my life savings to give people gifts they would actually want, because of the absolute commercialism associated with this holiday. And I'm guilty too-my expectations are always higher than they should be. I always believe I'll finally get that one gift I asked for but when I open up my box full of sweaters I die inside a little. Its a little disappointing but that's my fault. I shouldn't expect a fuckin 250 dollar nano, or 300 dollar digital camera, but I do. Fuckin garbage. Why can't it just be about spending time with people you love giving the gift of love or a small token of appreciation.
I'm lucky also in that when the holiday's come around my family is small so I don't have to buy 20 gifts for cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc. that I probably don't see or no and maybe not even like.
If anyone one is out there with some "entertaining" family holiday stories I'd love to hear it. Let me know if you feel my pain, or if I'm just a cynical bastard. All contributions are welcome. [email protected]
