Commercialized holidays ~ Boo!

Since it's a holiday and "the" holiday season is upon us, I thought I'd have one more thing to say about holidays. Rick and I were talking about Halloween and how it has become commercialized. I think it's been a long time coming. I remember little boys dressed as Superman from comic books, long before major motion pictures were thought of. (Jeez, I make myself sound old!) But all holidays have become commercial, money-making events for companies who sell us decorations, cards, and holiday goods.

We are all enticed to spend, spend, spend on holidays. Why not make sure the entire family is involved with the spending and that it is meaningful. Have a purpose. Let everyone in on the planning. Spend on items that are going to bring the family together. Make quality time. Young children love to help, so let them! Create activities they can feel a part of. You don't have to carve a pumpkin - there are many ways to decorate one. Let them help to make the holiday treats. Encourage them to help design the costume. Ask them what they think.

I'm not suggesting you don't celebrate the holidays. Not at all! In fact, I'm hoping you do celebrate. (If your beliefs allow.) I like family traditions! Even if you don't celebrate, I'm suggesting we all look into the origin of the holidays. What did they mean long ago? How were they originally celebrated? How did they come about? What country did they originate in? What foods and decorations were associated with the holiday? How has it evolved? Can you bring it back to what it was meant to be?

It's so easy to look things up on the Internet or the library. Why not take a few minutes, do a little research, and share some of the true meaning with the young people in your life? It might just give them a better understanding of the holiday, make them feel part of it, and start a family tradition with meaning.