Having braved the crowds of people year after year when doing the Christmas shopping, it never ceases to amaze one just how commercial Christmas has become.
A Grade 1 pupil was recently asked what he wanted for Christmas.
An X-Box, an iPad2, an AK47 assault rifle and R10 000 in cash.
This is quite disturbing and makes one wonder what has become of the actual meaning of Christmas.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is primarily an annual Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is also a public holiday in many countries and is most commonly celebrated on 25 December.
What is my problem with Christmas?
The problem we have with the modern day Christmas can be summed up in two words, mindless consumerism.
The big department stores all spend big on advertising at this time of year, in an attempt to convince you to buy the latest and greatest range of products.
Before long, you have bought presents for everyone you know and come Christmas day, you will come home with even more stuff that you don’t need.
This just perpetuates the capitalist-driven consumer cycle into the next year and further erodes the true meaning of Christmas.
This may or may not be true for everyone, but every Christmas we collect hundreds of rands worth of presents, the vast majority of which you use only a handful of times before you become bored, or find something new and more exciting to play with.
You can imagine this type of behaviour is repeated the world over and most people will never even think there is anything wrong with it.
The Christmas Economy
Christmas is typically a peak selling season for retailers in South Africa and worldwide.
Sales increase dramatically as people buy gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate.
All this makes you wonder if Christmas has become too commercial.
