Perhaps nice for small families with little children, but a minefield for many extended families, let alone the lonely.
‘Halloween’ (All Hallows Eve) in the religious calendar is for remembering the dead, the saints and martyrs – probably mixed up with the end of summer, harvest home, and pre-Christian festivals for those things too. Turning it into lollies and vandalism is not in anyone’s interests, certainly not for children, their behaviour, their teeth or their nutrition.
‘Thanksgiving’ was the Harvest Festival, when the Pilgrim Fathers had survived a summer with enough food to last through the winter. In a nation with serious obesity problems, a festival based on lots of food surely deserves a re-think.
‘Christmas’ is the time for celebrating the birth of Jesus. It has been overtaken by gift buying (and of course more food). If you actually read the New Testament, the three wise men who came from the East were not at the crib in Bethlehem with their presents. They went first to Herod, who sent them off to find the ‘young child’. When they didn’t return promptly, Herod ordered the slaughter of the innocents, all boys under two. An accurate celebration might mean waiting a couple of years to hand over gold, frankincense or myrrh, then manage a mass murder of toddlers. This stupid suggestion is no sillier than plastic trees, glass baubles, electric lights, heaps of parcels that are often unwanted, and lots of alcohol.
I think what I am suggesting is to walk away from ‘celebrations’ that cause more problems than pleasure, to know what we value and want to celebrate, and pick a good way for that to work. At a minimum, to stop feeling guilty if things don’t work out like a good old fashioned ‘leave it to Beaver’ way.
But why do posters here tolerate that? Take the thread back, report the offensive comments, and ask the Admins to help clean the thread up by eliminating the inappropriate, low class and vulgar comments. If they don't, then boycott the thread and start a new one.
I'm not the only one who found Margaret's comments prejudicial and somewhat patronizing as well. She's made some good contributions though elsewhere though, so perhaps she would feel less critical if we acquainted her with what we CAN do that isn't commercialized?
And I see no reason why some bragging about accomplishments, reach-out and caregiving activities beyond family shouldn't be addressed.
Something that's drawn my attention to the other side of commercialism is the generosity of people at this time of the year.
For years Goodfellows astood in street intersections, and Marine Toys for Tots collected funds and toys for children Commercial organizations such as those with soup kitchens support people in need throughout the year, not just at a religious holiday.
To me, Americans' generosity extends to different days, situations, and isn't limited to being religious based.
I stumbled on a site with a list of nonprofits and organizations that counteract the commercialism by showing a giving spirit, some throughout the year.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/causes/35-reputable-charities-to-help-this-holiday-season/ss-BBXqPv7?ocid=spartandhp
I think generosity and reaching out counteracts the negativity of commercialism. And I know for a fact that my friends, family, and obviously some here don't fall into the BUY! BUY! trap.
Perhaps I'm being overbearing, but it irks me when people are maneuvered into inappropriate situations on forums by domineering, foul mouthed self focused people. So, PLEASE, take back your desire for a more moderate, helpful response, and help Margaret see what she doesn't have the opportunity to view from "Down Under":
1. Share what you, your family, your school, religious organization, and friends do for holidays, not just the end of the year ones but those throughout the year.
2. Remember that Veterans' and Memorial Days are NOT as commercialized, but show real support for those who have served.
When my father was in a rehab during Veterans' Day, one of the home care agencies with a strong community outreach leader organized ceremonies at the rehab. Reps of each service were there, in full uniform, circulating and getting acquainted with the residents. And each resident was awarded a certificate for service.
THESE show not only what Americans can do to show support, w/o spending hundreds of dollars, but just by reaching out to people in medically unpleasant situations, their families and friends.
3. Folks here probably have limited time to volunteer, but can share cards, even if they're homemade. My father received these from children through Meals on Wheels. I have holiday cards that I've received from donations to military organizations. I'm going to add some pleasant greetings and deliver them to MOW sites, as well as to the good rehabs where Dad spent time (assuming they'll take them).
4. I know of two members here who do reach-out activities, in hospitals and at hospice. How many others are there, whether it's for people or for animals? Senior centers, MOW, and other good works? Help with ride sharing and/or delivery to medical appointments? Help with groceries? Home chores?
An acquaintance is a handyman and works primarily with veterans' organizations. I've learned that some Methodist churches also have reach-out home chore activities.
There are so many good things we do, that our reputation shouldn't be as slaves to commercialism.
Most Americans work our asses off with 2 and 3 jobs to be able to live....and to afford to give our kids a few gifts for Christmas. What I do with my hard earned money is MY business.
The streets here AREN'T paved with gold, contrary to foreign opinion.
I did report, several times, inappropriate comments here which still are up in plain sight.
I'm finished reading this thread, myself, even though it's like a train wreck where you can't look away.
Perhaps if more people reported offensive posters, something would be done. If not, then I suspect that people will just leave. No one needs to have to skip posts b/c they're crude and low class.
I might even call the Admins on Monday and find outdirectly if any action will be taken. In the past offensive posts were often left up, perhaps because they generate page hits.
The forum has actually been pretty tame this year when it comes to voicing holiday angst BUT it is nonetheless a theme that comes up with regularity - this is definitely a case where it's OK for those involved to say nasty things but an outsider dare not.
one gal says she aint coming back till everybody says only the things she wants to hear . makes my ( people are nuts ) point perfectly .
this caregiving business ( and associated forum ) are excruciating in the absence of humor . humor often gets a little edgy and some people just cant pass up a chance to be offended . they should drop some acid and laugh for 3 days -- it'd do em good .
I once had a cultural geography class and there was an Aussie in it. Some of the things that came out of her mouth about the U.S. cultural and ethnic differences with Australia were just shockingly unbelievable. Just a different way of thinking and expressing themselves.
Nothing personal, at all, intended towards Margaret.
And of course the more we comment the longer this thread stays alive 🙃
one for the indifferent ,
and one for the people who would like to stick a fork in your throat at the mention of it .
probably need one for the perpetually indignant too .
what the heck is wrong with people when they cant share opinions without throwing a tantrum ?
problem is my employer ( state ) would fire me two sentences in and send me to guantanamo by the end of the first paragraph .
this PC crap is more than stifling the industry of humor -- its approaching thought policing territory .
I personally do not go overboard on Christmas gifts but I enjoy picking out something I put thought into for my immediate family. In that way I am helping the economy. I share each holiday with some or all family. There is a sense of joy in watching family open gifts. Personally I would love to do away with stockings for the adults but am outnumbered there
My husband has a tradition in his family that everyone gets an orange because when his grandparents were young that was all that they could afford. So everyone gets one and then they all go into the refrigerator.
Yes holidays can cause stress but also bring joy. We go to church on Christmas Eve and have a nice dinner after. Christmas day we have another nice dinner. Then I don't feel like cooking for awhile.
I think it is important for families to come together and celebrate as they choose. There must be commercialism in your country too.
theres a particular kind of humor that i like . when i meet a person who says what is expected of them , then mutters what theyre " really thinking " in a lower tone -- it plain cracks me up .
those people generally dont mean to hurt anyone -- they just have a quirky view ( and healthy skepticism ) of the world .
what people say and what is being implied is hardly ever one and the same .
a funeral procession passed by us one time with a total of a hearse and two additional cars .
" yea , she didnt have any money " jake observes .
another time he stuck his head out the truck window and admonished a group of his peers taking a smoke break out front of the court ordered substance rehab program -- calling them " QUITTERS " .
i s'pose he / we got that style of humor from years of the simpsons . aint nothing on that show as it seems .
( vote quimby )
Just remember we are all friends on here. At least most of us.
All humor aside.