Commercialism, Commercialsm, Commercialism

I must admit that I enjoy ever aspect of Christmas from the big gawdy displays to the pagents to the gifts to the family get-togethers to the, well, you get the point. Heck, I am sitting here at home trying to fight the urge to put up my tree, wrap the gifts I have already bought and put them under the tree, but the rational side of me knows I must wait until the day of the Toronto Santa Claus parade to decorate my home. However, it becomes a little ridiculous when 2 days after Halloween night the Christmas paraphenalia has already taken over the 'seasonal' aisle. I went into a Shopper's Drug Mart on Thursday in an attempt to find some leftover candy on sale and was dismayed to find and entire row of Christmas decorations in its place!

I know I shouldn't expect anything less from a society which has drifted away from family values, where babysitters and television raise our children, however, I find it sad that the big guy to the left is more important than the true meaning of Christmas. And by the true meaning of Christmas I am not necessarily refering to the religious implications of it (those of you who know me know I am not a religious person), but rather the spirit of Christmas. I mentioned above that I do enjoy the entire Christmas experience, including the gifts, however, I much prefer to give than receive. There is nothing more satisfying to me than finding the 'perfect gift' for someone and watching their face when they open it. And we all know that family get-togethers can be a bit of a pain in the behind, but I do enjoy filling my home with family and friends during the holidays - we complain about it, but wouldn't want it any other way! I have had my say even though nothing will change - I will leave you all with this (even if it is a little early):

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.