Oh, I know I might have not picked a good time but I need to rant about a couple of things and I would love to here everybodies opinions and thoughts after.

Okay, do any Christians out there feel as if the holidays are more about buying gifts and chocolate and people fighting in lineups at stores and people acting like mad crazy people trying to get that gift for somebody?

I go into stores around Christmas time and even easter time. Not to really buy anything but just to look around maybe get one gift. The madness that I see is unbelievable.

Just yesterday I was at walmart to by my little guy some teething soothers and couple of other things. There were like 10 or more people in each line up plus you could hardly move in the store. I think to myself these people are a bunch of ------.

I hate commercialism of these Christian holidays. I think it is terrible to think that people actually go nuts and go all crazy because the world and the government and businesses tells them that Christmas is all about buying and making money.

Easter is all about buying and making money.

I get sick and tired of seeing these Christian holidays used as a money grab for holidays.

I am officially a bah humbug for the commerciallized easter, for the commerciallized christmas.

I do not want to celebrate it that way, but I see millions of people every year making buying the most important part of the holiday, it makes me sick.

Easter is about Jesus. Christmas is about Jesus. It is a time for reflection and family and being Thankful. Not about gifts and easter bunnies , etc...

I could go on, but I won't.

Your thoughts
??

Joe

No comments? Oh well, at least I had my rant. Instead of keeping it in, or going on to family about it. This is a way for me to get it out and write it somewhere.

My wife's family is big big on gifts for everybody and if you do not get them anything they feel insulted but why should I be obligated to buy everything for everybody in her family? Then they go all nutty and expect gifts back. I do not believe in being crazy and going nuts like that. It just makes people feel like crap that can not afford gifts or do not believe in commercialism. Might sound like an excuse but it is not.

Joe

Hi Joe,

I agree with you 100%. It is so very sad. Just this Christmas Eve, hubby and I were driving, and I turned to him and said, it is so very sad, Christmas has lost it's true meaning and how I feel so sad for those who don't have anyone.

The commercilism of all holidays is just awful. The meaning of the holiday has totally been lost and all the rest of it brings nothing but stress and sadness to those who feel forced to be happy.

Oh by the way, Happy Easter :).

I do understand what you are saying completely.

Hey Joe, you got to give more time for people to answer, especially in the wee hours of the morning.

I for one, agree with you. I do find it interesting that most Jewish holidays (with the possible exception of Hanukah) have not become commercialized celebrations.

No one has ever really explained me to be how a bunny became symbolic of easter. And I know eggs symbolize new life, but bunnies don't lay eggs, shouldn't there be an Easter Chicken instead?

It is strange is it not that you pointed out many Jewish holidays are not commercialized celebrations.

Another interesting thing is the bunny and easter. I guess bunnies are a lot cuter and cuddly for kids then a bunch of ugly chickens lol.

Joe

You can choose not to be part of it, especially now that you have kids. I stay away from WalMart during any holidays. My kids are used to not being overun with gifts like other parents do. I don't care what others do, I make sure that I raise my own kids not to be spoiled brats or expect goods and money.

Well I loved loved loved getting gifts and Easter baskets when I was little and I don't think I am a spoiled brat, or expect anything from anyone. Now that I am older I notice it too- it also drives me crazy to see all the people in lines and going mad trying to find that perfect gift. I can't stand it!! But not just religious holidays-all holidays-Valentine's, Mothers' Day, all of that. All I want is a hug and a kiss... don't get me wrong it is nice to get a gift but I am not going to get upset if I don't get one. All holidays are too commercialized. Just another way for Hallmark to make money!!

I think the holidays are what you make of them. We too were in Walmart yesterday - to do non related easter shopping. I was so frustrated by the time I left - I wanted to SCREAM! I don't do well with lots and lots of people. I make a terrible holiday shopper! :)
As far as getting gifts - it does get expensive. We have a lot of kids on both sides of our family and we just had to say "hey, we can't afford to buy for all these kids" so we now let our kids draw a name and that is who "they" buy for. We also don't buy for our siblings. Just our parents.
But, Jesus does get lost in the shuffle. And it is a shame. We have started traditions to make sure our kids don't forget. Every Christmas Eve, we are at church. At our dinner, we read "The Story" from one of the gospels of the bible.
For easter, we do a basket with just trinkets. We have friends that go all out. Like getting those expensive Power Wheels - That won't fit in a basket!

Where I live, there is a holiday called "sweetest day". A total Hallmark holiday. I had never heard of it until we moved north. It is not something that my husband and I celebrate. Of course, we don't celebrate valentine's either.

Well, Joe, I am glad you have a venue for your rants. I have always had a problem with the commercialization of holidays. Historically, at one time, giving a child the present of an orange was a huge deal at Christmas. The fact that a loved one was able to procure something so precious during the winter months was considered a true act of love and sacrifice. Now, look at the depths to which we have fallen as a society.

It truly is about making money. Most companies rely on the revenues brought in at holiday time. If they were not allowed to commercialize the holidays, most wouldn't stay in business. So it is a simple case of capitalism in progress. In addition, we have become a society in which it is very important for many people to "keep up with the Joneses." Heaven forbid if we allow our friends, neighbors, or relatives "one up" us with gifts. And, if we don't reciprocate, we are made to feel lousy and selfish, as you have been made to feel. It is a terribly sad and disheartening track that we have found ourselves on.

I too would like to know, as ScottGem asked, where on earth did bunnies suddenly become the symbol for Easter? I always assumed it has to do with the fact that it is a well know fact that rabbits are extremely productive baby makers. Thus, keeping with the rebirth/new birth ideologies. But, if that is the case, why weren't mice chosen? Because rabbits aren't as "offensive" a thought as squeaky little mice? Or if the egg is the symbol, we didn't they stick with a chicken? It all just doesn't make sense to me.

Stand your ground Joe. I have always hoped that people will get back to the basics of understanding that holidays are a time meant for reflection. Not for gift giving. When I was a child, most of us received one present for your birthday, and one present for Christmas or Hanukkah, or whatever huge holiday fell, depending upon your religion. The suggestion that a parent buy one gift for their child in today's world is frowned upon and a parent is made to feel that they are being cheap.

Thanks Joe for agreeing with every post but mine, I get the point.

Needkarma,

I think you need to reread your post. Lol. No point just forgot. Okay now go back and eat your words.

Joe

Hi Joe, Happy Easter
He is Risen!

I agree. Every holiday is commercialized to the max! It's big $$$. As long as we keep the real meaning of those holidays I think it's fun sometimes. I think I have gotten better & better at decorating for Christmas. The presents are another story. I usually shop online or go during the wee hrs. We do go into stores -- I try to remember to bring my "patience" with me beforehand! A lot of my relatives have gone to heaven now, it used to be more stressful because I always gave presents without expecting anythinggg back. Finally when I couldn't afford to spread it thin-- I slowly cut out a gift here & there & had to get over any guilt--bc it wasn't practical for me. But I did try till the end & have no regrets!
Lasagna is in the oven so I'll see you later! Have a Blessed day!

Hey Ruby! This one's for you!

http://www.soasoas.com/april/gallery/full/IMG_5789a_dpc.jpg

Thank you retro. :) I like mine really charred and gooey on the inside. Thanks, honey, I'll stop by later for my chick fix.

Joe,

I suck. Hehe. Yea, I was a little touchy yesterday. Just finished 4 hockey games in 2 days in an Easter tournament and my body was (and is) hurting. We won the whole thing which makes it worthwhile.

Hope you had a good weekend on the island. I figure you must be in C'town as I imagine it's the only place with a Walmart. :)

There is a segment of our population that believe in sex, power, and money, use whatever you have, however you can, to get more. They despise Christianity and all it stands for. The commercialization of the holidays is all they have in their empty lives. They are willing to do anything for gain. Milliard Filmore sales anybody? With the decline in Christian influence, perhaps they need to expand into the Jewish holidays as you mentioned. There must be some that aren't already buried in Christmas and Easter. How about Islamic Holidays? Buddhist?

Even good Christians get dragged into it. When our kids were small, I always seemed to have to go to K-Mart on the afternoon of the 24'th. For something. (Pre Wal-Mart) I remember one year it was the Luke Skywalker in flight gear figure to go with the X-wing fighter for my son. Sometimes I do better. I remember my son's first Easter egg hunt. He did very poorly, letting the other kids grab everything. I decided I had the money to buy him all the candy he needed, and I was just as happy not to have a greedy, aggressive kid.

My wife works part time at Penney's. She came home talking about all the fine dress they were selling Saturday night. She also talks about the people that go though 3-4 credit cards before finding one that isn't maxed out.

You keep asking about bunnies and how they got dragged into it... well, you're not going to like the answer.

Bunnies (rabbits) are a symbol of fertility. The pagan origins of the Christian holiday celebrate the vernal equinox and the coming of spring as a time of rising fertility, not just in the humans that celebrate it, but in the world around them. Flowers start blooming, gardens and crops are planted, animals either start mating or have new young. Easter is a time of rebirth, not just of the saviour of Christianity, but of the entire world.

I come from a christian background and celebrate Christian holidays with family and friends, and I, too, hate the commercialism that has arisen with many holidays. But think---it could be worse. You could have a religion where people automatically assume that you're either dancing naked in the woods and having wild orgies, or worshipping the devil--or BOTH. Be happy that it's just commercialism that you don't HAVE to buy into.

That's one of the few things I like about Christianity. How they incorporated all these pagan rituals into their monotheistic outlook. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Very pragmatic.