First of all, lets get this out of the way – I don’t like Christmas. Not in a “Bah, humbug”, kind of way, but in a general, “I can’t stand this time of year” way.
From when the first commercials appear on television in October/ November, until the end of the January sales, we’re being convinced that this is the time of year that matters the most. We’re being convinced that it’s the time to be good to those around us, and that the best way to be good is to spend a fortune on presents. Show them you care by buying some piece of tat. A piece of tat that couldn’t be sold at any other time of the year.
I have no problem with being good to other people. In fact I would actively encourage it. But if that’s the way you feel, then at least make an attempt all year round, and not just for the few weeks surrounding Christmas. Being good to other people doesn’t mean buying them presents, or hitting the limit on your credit card. Try being polite and respectful, you’ll be surprised how much goodwill you’ll generate.
This post is a bit preachy, but Christmas time drives me insane. I can’t stand all the fake bonhomie. Pretending to be nice, just because of the time of year. Try being nice in February when your credit card bill comes through the door, then you’ll have my attention.
But what really gets me going are the Christmas songs. Not Christmas carols, but Christmas songs – there is a difference. Every year, we’re snowed under, (pun intended), with various versions of “Joy to The World Now Here is The Best Ever Christmas Album Made by Man, Volume 21″. The title and artwork may change, but no matter which record label publishes it, it contains the exact same tracks as the tripe that was foisted on us last year.
Wherever you go, your ears are constantly attacked by the caterwauling of a seventies novelty act singing a song that should have been consigned to the rubbish tip the moment it was released. But because these dirges were released at Christmas, they continue to be played over, and over, and over again throughout the month of December. It’s either an attempt to brainwash the general populace, or an attempt to push us as far as humanly possible towards insanity. In both cases we end up spending more money on things that we don’t need and don’t know who to give to.
So have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but do yourself a favour: turn off the television and the radio, hide the credit card, call the people close to you and say hi, and most of all don’t say thanks with a box of biscuits, say it in person.
Tags: bah_humbug, christmas_time, goodwill, january_sales, novelty_act, Rant, tripe, whatithink