The commercialized corruption of Christmas

Mia Oliver, Staff Writer

I walk into Target, greeted by huge signs advertising holiday sales. Making my way down the aisles, I’m attacked by heaps of wrapping paper, extravagant bows, and rolls of ribbon. I find myself quietly humming along with the Christmas songs blasted through the store’s overhead speakers as I grab what I came for, proceed to checkout, and exit the store. Most would be unable to spot an issue with this scene, but there is one.

I just walked out with discounted Halloween candy marked down earlier that morning.

Target is just one of the many stores that begin to advertise their Christmas deals the instant November starts. This mass-advertising, as the holiday nears, blindsides many people, causing them to forget that Christmas is not all about the presents. While it may be easy to blame the stores and companies that host holiday sales for this effect, the blame would be more accurately placed elsewhere: the consumers.

The sales and advertisements that pop out of thin air during the Christmas season are a result of companies capitalizing on the commercialization of Christmas within today’s society.

People have become so fixated on creating the illusion of a ideal Christmas through the giving and receiving of perfect gifts that they have forgotten the real reason behind the gesture. There is no shame in wanting to gift friends and family high-quality presents, but there is fault in our definition of what a high-quality present is. Often, we mistake an expensive present as that, when in reality the thought behind the gift should be what determines its quality.

Imagine sitting around the dinner table with your family, whom you rarely have the opportunity to spend time with. As you enjoy a home-cooked meal, you share jokes and old remembrances. You feel completely content and relaxed as you enjoy the company of your loved ones. This is what Christmas is supposed to be like.

As Christmas nears, and in the years to come, it is important to remember other aspects besides the gift giving. By doing so, the commercialization of the holiday can lessen, and its true meaning can be celebrated.