Nov 25, 2010
Thanksgiving seem to be the last holdout holiday here in America. I came to this revelation while setting in a bagel shop here in my hometown eating breakfast, while listening to Christmas music and watching employees of this establishment hang decorations in the store all while listening to “White Christmas”. (which is ironic in itself since i live in SoCal). However i digress. Outside, there was a chill (ok 71 degrees), however inside, it said “faux Christmas”. As Christians (and Americans) i believe we’ve somehow become numb to the absurdity of a religious holiday being dragged out for months at a time, simply as a marketing strategy for our hard earned dollars. Year after year, Christmas becomes more of an orgy of materialism and a nod to the bottom line. I distinctly remember reading of Christ throwing the money-changers out of the temple; today, HE no doubt would have a tougher time throwing the retailers out of his own birthday party. However many of us celebrate Christmas despite all this, not because of it.
Amidst this trend, Thanksgiving itself is in danger of becoming overwhelmed, of being turned into a one-day football-and-turkey orgy apart from Christmas commerce. What was once a prelude to a season of goodwill is becoming a mere day (howbeit even hours) of rest before that now famous Black Friday Shopping Frenzy. I’m hopeful though that Thanksgiving can/will holdout and be saved.Fortunately Thanksgiving does remain, in comparison, the least commercialized (aka exploited) of the major religious and secular holidays. Jeezzze, even presidents have their own sales! And when was the last time you had to set through a barrage of “turkey music” in August? Or God forbid anguish over what Thanksgiving gift to get for that special person who already has everything! Fortunately for now, Thanksgiving can be celebrated in its original intent: People of different backgrounds, religious beliefs and motivations saying thanks over shared bounty and common humanity. And it’s even more poignant this year, after an election in which Americans seemed to be at each others’ throats daily and we struggle with unemployment, debt, housing crisis, healthcare fiascos, etc, etc. One point to remember : July Fourth is about independence. Thanksgiving is about interdependence. Something we all need to remember. That makes Thanksgiving a day worth celebrating, all by itself.
[New Post] Thanksgiving, the Last Big Holdout Holiday!? – via #twitoaster http://www.pushnpavement.com/2010/11/25/...
via Twitoaster