subject: Seasons Greedings [print this page] Seasons Greedings Seasons Greedings
Whether you call it Christmas, Yule, or like me, the Winter Solstice Celebration, in the end we all experience the same thing year after year. I am, of course, referring to commercialism.
The pagan religions thought of this time as a period of renewal,rejuvenation, the point at which the days start getting longer once more. It was viewed as a cycle of life, and a promise that plenty would return. It was also a time where enemies could gather together and forget past wrongs for a short time. It was a period of brotherhood and good times. It was truly a time to celebrate.
Although it is supposed to be better to give than to receive, you have to admit that receiving is pretty cool too. That said, I cannot help but think of the few who benefit so much more than the rest of us during these times. Yes, I mean the department store chains, the CEO's and the corporate fat-boys. The same people that use words like "disposable income" and "profit margin". The same people that drive cars that cost six digits, or more, do number-two in gold toilets - and yes, even use toilet paper with gold trim. Perhaps this month the rolls will have gold trumpets, blown by gold angels.
Every year we buy garbage that is of less quality than the year before. Some of us notice this and are saddened, others may notice and not care, while still others don't notice at all. How many still feel that the more pricey the gift the more love is given as a result? How many think to hand-make gifts with their heart and soul, but then go to Walmart to pick up a poor quality item, manufactured by someone in the third world who only receives 2 cents a day for their efforts?
My wife had recently knitted me atoque with Yoda ears. Yes, it was by request, because I am a hard core geek at heart and she knows it. I wear it proudly. Why? It cost nearly nothing dollar-wise. I cherish that toque more than anything that can ever be bought in the store. To me its value can never be matched, because my wife put her heart and her soul into it - I know, because I feel it every time I put it on. I get strange looks, but I don't care, because that Yoda toque tells me her feelings every time I see it, every time I wear it.
Let us all remember the brotherhood, peace and love of this holiday season and put your heart and your soul into each gift. Your loved ones deserve it more than the department store chains, the CEO's and the corporate fat-boys deserve your hard earned money.
