...is gone.
There, I said it.
Actually, the true meaning of Christmas, at least for me, has been overshadowed by the commercial exploitation of this wonderful holiday. Black Friday, Christmas tunes being played on the radio the day after Halloween, Cyber Monday, retail sales reports, etc. have all contributed to my general indifference toward Christmas. The wonderful Christmas music specials of Andy Williams, Perry Como, John Denver and others have been replaced by Mariah Carey singing off-key. Christmas used to be about simple gift giving; now advertisers have thrown the purchase of luxury automobiles into the mix.
I wonder what the Maji would think if they were to return and see what has become of the holiday that they innocently started by their simple gifts to a newborn child and his family.
I dare say that they would be repulsed.
In my old age I have come to realize that I cannot and should not scorn or otherwise influence the actions of others. That said, the commercialization of Christmas is something that I/we must live with.
This, however, does not prevent me from enjoying a meaningful Christmas that is more in line with the true spirit of the holiday, its traditions and what it is all about. In searching my soul for the true meaning of Christmas I have effectively brushed aside the barrage of advertising the incessant blare of banal holiday tunes. My mind has been cleared of all negative or cynical feelings.
I am celebrating what Christmas is all about.
It's all about the food.
Readers, enjoy your Christmas.
