The Holidays: From Creation to Commercialization

[cynefin]

This article discusses the creation of holidays such as Christmas and Hanukah. Read through the article to get an idea on how some of these beloved holidays began.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f181-...ercialization/

Did you learn anything new about the history of these holidays?
How do you feel about the commercialization of holidays such as Christmas?

[Celyn]

I never knew about the Mesopotamian people! Also, I really like what Kwanzaa stands for- I never knew much about that either!

I do find it a little sad about the over commercialized aspect of Christmas. I like to try to find a balance between gift giving and being grateful for the people around me, and include a little bit of religion too

[Tiffers95]

I did not know much about the celebration of Kwanzaa and it seems like it has a great meaning to it.

The commercialization of Christmas to me has gotten out of hand even in the short time I have been around. I, as the poster above stated thinks there should be a happy medium between the gift giving and Santa and the religious part of the holiday. I try to reflect on the holiday and make it special to me and that includes family and Christmas Eve Church and Gift Giving.

[Disclosure.]

I also didn't know about the celebration of Kwanzaa.

It annoys me that the holidays are really commercialization now but I remind myself about the importance of why we have it.

[cynefin]

I think the commercialization is sad too. I was watching this Christmas movie recently which was set in the first world war and the children in this orphanage would get one orange each on Christmas morning. It was very eye opening to see how grateful the children were for a simple orange compared to the way it is today.

Some of the stores have had Valentines day stuff out for weeks and it's the same thing when they put the Christmas stuff out early but it irritates me because I think each holiday should have its time without being overshadowed. The one store already had gardening/summer stuff out which was irritating.

I like a balance too. I enjoy giving gifts to others and opening my own but I do think about the meaning and celebrate in my own quiet way as well.