Is Christmas too commercialized?

[mathgrant]

I however, found it very distressing that parents would outright lie to their own kids about Santa Claus. I don't think lying to a kid is any better than tricking an adult.

(WARNING: I AM NOT A PARENT)

See, this is a very difficult decision to make as a parent. A lot of the magic of Christmas comes from believing that Santa Claus is existent, and that his arrival with more presents is impending. This makes Christmas much more magical and fun for many children. But there's an ethical dilemma -- you know you're lying to the kid, and you'll have to tell them the truth eventually. As I pointed out above, this could jeopardize their ability to believe in God; I've seen enough posts on atheist blogs to know that some people, in fact, see no difference between believing in God and believing in Santa or believing in the Easter bunny. But even if the Santa Claus truth doesn't cause your kid to convert to atheism, it is likely to at least be more depressing in the end than never having had Santa Claus in the picture at all, and would heavily affect their trust in general.

However, the parents who do not wish to lie about Santa Claus are pretty screwed over -- Santa Claus is a rather popular and omnipresent lie. Go to the mall -- "Santa" is there. Turn on the TV, the radio -- "Santa" is there. "Santa" is everywhere. To use one of my crappy analogies, it'd be akin to an atheist trying to raise their kids without the thought of God ever remotely entering their minds, in spite of their house being completely surrounded by churches. *shrugs* I dunno, I'm not very good at thinking. In any case, you're right, the Santa thing seems highly unethical. x.x

Maybe one could just tell their kids that "Santa doesn't come to our house, honey". That wouldn't be a lie, since non-existent entities never enter houses. XD

[Nikolai Melodie]

(WARNING: I AM NOT A PARENT)

See, this is a very difficult decision to make as a parent. A lot of the magic of Christmas comes from believing that Santa Claus is existent, and that his arrival with more presents is impending. This makes Christmas much more magical and fun for many children. But there's an ethical dilemma -- you know you're lying to the kid, and you'll have to tell them the truth eventually. As I pointed out above, this could jeopardize their ability to believe in God; I've seen enough posts on atheist blogs to know that some people, in fact, see no difference between believing in God and believing in Santa or believing in the Easter bunny. But even if the Santa Claus truth doesn't cause your kid to convert to atheism, it is likely to at least be more depressing in the end than never having had Santa Claus in the picture at all, and would heavily affect their trust in general.

However, the parents who do not wish to lie about Santa Claus are pretty screwed over -- Santa Claus is a rather popular and omnipresent lie. Go to the mall -- "Santa" is there. Turn on the TV, the radio -- "Santa" is there. "Santa" is everywhere. To use one of my crappy analogies, it'd be akin to an atheist trying to raise their kids without the thought of God ever remotely entering their minds, in spite of their house being completely surrounded by churches. *shrugs* I dunno, I'm not very good at thinking. In any case, you're right, the Santa thing seems highly unethical. x.x

Maybe one could just tell their kids that "Santa doesn't come to our house, honey". That wouldn't be a lie, since non-existent entities never enter houses. XD

Erm... I really don't see what the issue is. Santa is an insanely secular thing, but children don't believe in him forever. At the church I attend, we have separate services for young children because we can't expect them to comprehend everything. I'm having difficulty explaining this, but what I'm trying to say is that Santa doesn't necessarily drive Christ out of our kid's hearts, or Christmas at all. I think he's just another imaginary thing that kids eventually grow out of.

It doesn't jeopardize their ability to believe in God, either. I'm pretty sure that almost all of us survived the shock that Santa doesn't exist, and yet, here we are on CAA-- willing to even purify the anime that we enjoy with Godliness.

I admit, I'm not one to lie to my [future] kids. I probably won't bring Santa up, but if my 5 year old ever ran home from pre school asking if Santa existed, I'd totally not crush his/her heart by saying, "NO." I haven't really thought this out, but I think I'd just ask my kid, "Do you think there's a santa claus?"

Who knows. You may get an answer like, "Oh yes, and he has robotic reindeer and rides on a rocket ship from Mars."

[rocklobster]

(WARNING: I AM NOT A PARENT)

See, this is a very difficult decision to make as a parent. A lot of the magic of Christmas comes from believing that Santa Claus is existent, and that his arrival with more presents is impending. This makes Christmas much more magical and fun for many children. But there's an ethical dilemma -- you know you're lying to the kid, and you'll have to tell them the truth eventually. As I pointed out above, this could jeopardize their ability to believe in God; I've seen enough posts on atheist blogs to know that some people, in fact, see no difference between believing in God and believing in Santa or believing in the Easter bunny. But even if the Santa Claus truth doesn't cause your kid to convert to atheism, it is likely to at least be more depressing in the end than never having had Santa Claus in the picture at all, and would heavily affect their trust in general.

However, the parents who do not wish to lie about Santa Claus are pretty screwed over -- Santa Claus is a rather popular and omnipresent lie. Go to the mall -- "Santa" is there. Turn on the TV, the radio -- "Santa" is there. "Santa" is everywhere. To use one of my crappy analogies, it'd be akin to an atheist trying to raise their kids without the thought of God ever remotely entering their minds, in spite of their house being completely surrounded by churches. *shrugs* I dunno, I'm not very good at thinking. In any case, you're right, the Santa thing seems highly unethical. x.x

Maybe one could just tell their kids that "Santa doesn't come to our house, honey". That wouldn't be a lie, since non-existent entities never enter houses. XD

Actually, Santa Claus was once a real person--he was Saint Nicholas.

[mathgrant]

Actually, Santa Claus was once a real person--he was Saint Nicholas.

Um. . . pwnt? D:

[Raiden no Kishi]

Would that I be forgiven for my pedantry, but I would say that it is not Christmas, but the celebration of Christmas by many people, particularly in relatively prosperous countries such as my own United States that is overcommercialized. Christmas, to this mind, is a solid, immutable concept, that being the festivities in memoriam of the Incarnation of Christ. It is only our perception or expression of that concept that changes ~ or in many cases distorts. In more lucid terms, Christmas is not overcommercialized, but the way we perceive/express it all too often is.

.rai//

[uc pseudonym]

I have never understood why some parents feel the need to tell their children Santa Claus exists. Before I ever went to school I knew that he was a popular fictional character and there were stories about his actions on Christmas Eve, but it was several years before I even realized anyone actually believed in him.

Would that I be forgiven for my pedantry, but I would say that it is not Christmas, but the celebration of Christmas by many people, particularly in relatively prosperous countries such as my own United States that is overcommercialized. Christmas, to this mind, is a solid, immutable concept, that being the festivities in memoriam of the Incarnation of Christ. It is only our perception or expression of that concept that changes ~ or in many cases distorts. In more lucid terms, Christmas is not overcommercialized, but the way we perceive/express it all too often is.

This strikes me as very similar to the exchange between termyt and I, but you have put it fairly succinctly.

[mitsuki lover]

Saint Nicholas was a real person.He was a Bishop in what is now present day Turkey.The facts of his actual life are a bit muddled,to say the least.
Traditionally in countries like Holland gifts were given to children on
St.Nicholas Day and not on Christmas proper.
In Holland he is known as Sinterklaus,from which we get the name Santa Claus.
It was the Dutch that brought the tradition of Santa Claus to America with them.Later on it was combined with descriptions of the British
Father Christmas.
Clement Moore's 'A Night Before Christmas' further developed the
Saint's mythic persona.Though in the poem he is described as an
Elf.Also the element of Santa Claus traveling by reindeer was added.
The final element of the Santa mythos was added when Gene Autry
wrote and recorded the popular Christmas ballad 'Rudolph,The Red Nosed Reindeer'.
Thus the real historical Nicholas was in the end buried under the ever expanding mythos surrounding his name.
So it is only PARTIALLY true to say that he is fictional,like many other characters based on actual historical people the myth has swallowed the reality.

[Alexander]

Actually, my parents told me straight forward he didn't exist. I never really thought twice about except, "why even create the notion in the first place"?

And I believe I've realized why Christmas feels commercialized at times. When you take out the core reason for the holiday, the Santa Clause Effect, as I call it takes its place. And the reason most non-religious families continue to celebrate it has to do with the fact that they grew up with it and it gave them a really wonderful feeling.

When it's comes to commercialization, I think it's really the aspect of most people not even understanding the core reason of why they're doing it in the first place. I can't be sure, but I believe holiday was once used as another term known as "holy day". So, when you take the holiness out of it, you see that Santa Clause and any other traditional person/creature is left to take its place while everyone else uses it as a means to see their family and take a day of rest.

My $0.02

[AsianBlossom]

My family, after I was five years old, started following the Hungarian tradition, in which Baby Jesus and the angels visit and bring presents instead of Santa Claus.

[rocklobster]

Saint Nicholas was a real person.He was a Bishop in what is now present day Turkey.The facts of his actual life are a bit muddled,to say the least.
Traditionally in countries like Holland gifts were given to children on
St.Nicholas Day and not on Christmas proper.
In Holland he is known as Sinterklaus,from which we get the name Santa Claus.
It was the Dutch that brought the tradition of Santa Claus to America with them.Later on it was combined with descriptions of the British
Father Christmas.
Clement Moore's 'A Night Before Christmas' further developed the
Saint's mythic persona.Though in the poem he is described as an
Elf.Also the element of Santa Claus traveling by reindeer was added.
The final element of the Santa mythos was added when Gene Autry
wrote and recorded the popular Christmas ballad 'Rudolph,The Red Nosed Reindeer'.
Thus the real historical Nicholas was in the end buried under the ever expanding mythos surrounding his name.
So it is only PARTIALLY true to say that he is fictional,like many other characters based on actual historical people the myth has swallowed the reality.

*nods* so true. I hate that people think St. Nick never existed. He desrves better.

[termyt]

Actually, my parents told me straight forward he didn't exist. I never really thought twice about except, "why even create the notion in the first place"?

Santa Claus is a very important American morality legend. Santa embodies the very spirit of giving and the telling of his tale each Christmas is a yearly reminder. The USA is one of the most generous countries on Earth due to the spirit of giving we embrace as a culture. Santa is the embodiment of giving and is as real as Uncle Sam, the embodiment of patriotism.

I would definitely share the story of Santa Claus with my children. It is an important lesson to learn. Is Santa real? He most certainly is. He was a man who lived a long time ago and he showed the world how wonderful it is to give to those less fortunate than ourselves. His example lives today in everyone who gives of themselves to help those in need.

[Nate]

Who knows. You may get an answer like, "Oh yes, and he has robotic reindeer and rides on a rocket ship from Mars."

You got the robotic reindeer part right, but it isn't from Mars. It's from a crystal castle that floats in the air above the north pole.

For those who have no idea what I'm referring to, please watch the MST3K version of "Santa Claus," an old Mexican film.

[Mave]

Santa Claus is a very important American morality legend. Santa embodies the very spirit of giving and the telling of his tale each Christmas is a yearly reminder. The USA is one of the most generous countries on Earth due to the spirit of giving we embrace as a culture. Santa is the embodiment of giving and is as real as Uncle Sam, the embodiment of patriotism.

I would definitely share the story of Santa Claus with my children. It is an important lesson to learn. Is Santa real? He most certainly is. He was a man who lived a long time ago and he showed the world how wonderful it is to give to those less fortunate than ourselves. His example lives today in everyone who gives of themselves to help those in need.

I agree for the most part but isn't there a slight tangent to the story where Santa Claus also makes a list of all the good and naughty children all over the world? The good ones get good presents and the bad ones get coal.

Maybe parents used this to their advantage to encourage their children to behave in a positive reinforcement sense and changed the St Nick ---> Santa Claus story to fit their intentions.

[Kat Walker]

It's been both over-commercialized yes, and that's mostly thanks to the deep religious meaning being stripped from it. It's secular consumer gluttony excused by superficial holiday sentimentality.

The so-called "War on Christmas" has been fought on the wrong battlefield. The problem isn't because people are trying to re-name the 'winter holidays' to something more politically correct. It's because WE, the Christians, have allowed it to be degraded by companies looking to make a profit. We totally buy into it. We always feel obligated to spend a ton of money to "celebrate" it. While childhood memories of opening gifts under a tree are cute and everything, it's been taken WAY overboard in this generation. We're indulging kids in selfish materialism, instead of teaching them to have the giving spirit of Jesus.

A friend of mine with 3 children came up with the idea to make all her kids give up one of their toys every Christmas to donate to the poor. And they really enjoy doing it. That gave me the idea that for this Christmas, I'm not going to ask for any material gifts - I'm going to request money from anyone who wants to give me something, and donate it to a few charities.

I think if we all individually began reversing the trend of commercializing Christmas in our own lives, it could do a lot of good. Even if the rest of society is still victim to Black Friday, at least it will help us on a personal level. I for one know I need to act less selfishly and more spiritual.

Sometimes the cheap commercialization is so bad I wish we could just abandon Christmas entirely and celebrate Jesus' birth on a different day. Maybe a more historically accurate one.

But if nothing else, let this be a lesson as to why we should NEVER compromise our beliefs with other religious traditions. We'd be in a much better position right now if the Church hadn't tried to assimilate the Roman festival of Saturnalia/Sol Invictus (that's where the tree and the gifts originated from - they just made sure to leave out the orgies, cross-dressing and naked caroling). It's kind of sad to have Jesus associated with such a trashy and pointless pagan "holy day". >:|

[Dai-go]

Lol, ya' know. I typed all this whole post out only to look one post up and Kat has already posted up the pagan holiday. LOL

Anyways, she's right. But I can't remember where the verse that the whole tree decorating is at to save my life. lol

[Kat Walker]

But there's an ethical dilemma -- you know you're lying to the kid, and you'll have to tell them the truth eventually. As I pointed out above, this could jeopardize their ability to believe in God; I've seen enough posts on atheist blogs to know that some people, in fact, see no difference between believing in God and believing in Santa or believing in the Easter bunny. But even if the Santa Claus truth doesn't cause your kid to convert to atheism, it is likely to at least be more depressing in the end than never having had Santa Claus in the picture at all, and would heavily affect their trust in general.

I agree with that, and I definitely won't be trying to trick my (possible future) kids into believing a red-suited guy actually breaks into our house and leaves stuff in our living room. My parents did that to me - and while it didn't cause me any devastating emotional trauma or a complete loss of trust in them, it did cause me a lot of painful embarrassment when I found out I was the only kid in kindergarten class who still honestly thought Santa was real.

Also, once you start seeing that it's only the rich kids that get all the presents they want... and the poor kids get ignored by Santa... well, that can make a kid kind of bitter.

I'd rather tell stories about St. Nicholas, a *real* person whose story is much more heartwarming and true to the spirit of Christ. I don't mind Santa the mythological figure, but I think he is also becoming more secular, shallow and commercialized along with his holiday. That Santa Claus emphasizes the getting part, not the giving part.

And the threat of getting coal in your stocking if you misbehave is an idle one at best... I've never known any parent who would do that, no matter how rotten their kids were all year!

As for "ruining the magic", that's not something to worry about. As long as the kids get the presents, they'll be plenty happy.

[mitsuki lover]

Was that Santa Claus Conquers The Martians or another movie?

[Dante]

Definitely... and I am disgusted at how every store, event, concert what not takes the greatest pains to white-wash anything having the word God in it from any festivities. A year or two ago, my family and I went to Glendale Glitters... a fancy event where the city of Glendale Arizona covers the entire center of the city in Christmas lights songs are played... and stuff is sold at highly inflated prices... I was disgustedly annoyed by the fact that with a ton of live bands playing and music piped over speakers everywhere, the city had apparently gone MASSIVELY out of its way to avoid any reference to the existance of Christianity or Jesus whatsoever... You'd think we were all out there celebrating the winter solstice and our saviours Santa Clauss and that creepy snowman that talks (I forget his name).

Anyways to make a long story short, after several hours there, there was not even a token song played like silent night or anything having to do with the religious significance... It was a hundred percent white-washed ACLU X-mas (No Christ allowed at the front). Needless to say, I won't be attending this year... I don't even want to go to the malls either, I guess I'm not happy to support all Chinese products that go to supporting a nation that boasts proudly that it has managed to crush it's civilians so horribly about religion that about 50% of them declare themselves to be non-religious and (they proudly claim) that persecutes its 1% Christian population... not really a great way to celebrate the birth of Jesus if you ask me. If it wasn't for the fact that my family doesn't really look at these things or would be sad if I wouldn't participate with them, I'm not sure I'd celebrate it at all, its just too twisted, and I feel cooperate America REALLY needs to get a jolt that we don't want to be played with on account of social demands to spend during a certain time of the year.

Thus despite not being able to do much about it, I have do believe that Christmas is WAY too commercialized.

-Pascal

[ashfire]

The middle of October in Washington DC and the Christmas decorations were being sold in the stores.
You get catalogs to start buying Christmas items.
Now I will say to my family start sending your Christmas list so I can get it done before the Christmas rush which starts after Thanksgiving but I just heard tonight it starts this weekend two weeks before Thanksgiving.
Christmas to me it seems like its lost its joy when you have to ask family to give you gift cards because they would know what to buy you because you know what you want and they don't.
I can remember being surprized by what was under the tree and wrapped so you wouldn't know what it was until you took the wrapping off

[12praiseGOD]

well lets see, I believe that yes, it is too comerzialized and I dislike the fact that they strip away the true celebration we are meaning to celebrate during Christmas, I know Jesus wasn't born in Christmas probably, but still can't you remeber why we are celebrating it at least. How about this it is what Nov. 2 , 2-3 days after halloween, and as I am checking out of the grocery store with my dad there is a Santa Clause giving me a piece of candy...a Santa Claus already, anyways it was cute of him to do that, but still I dislike the fact that they lie to kids, although it makes it more fun.

[Speakr4thedead]

In my town they pretty much skipped Halloween and went straight to Christmas. Halloween candy and Christmas ornaments and stuff went on sale at the same time...right about the end of September.
Just a tad early.

[Dante]

Just a side note, I asked my parents and they support my wishes for them not to buy me any gifts from China ('cause certain places like to persecute Christians and I don't see why I should be supporting them on a celebration of Christ's B-Day ) But yay! HOORAY! Mwah ha ha ha... it somehow makes me happy that they support my wishes.

-Pascal

[termyt]

There are different ways to look at the Christmas season, that much is sure. Where some folks are repulsed by the commercialization, others are heartened by the greater feelings of community. If your thoughts are only on what it is you need at the moment, then the heavy crowds in stores during the Christmas rush are a near unbearable pain, but if you can take a step back an watch what is going on around you then many find stores and malls crowded with people a fun and exciting place to be.

Some parents lie to their children professing a large red clad elf sneaks into their homes every year and leaves them gifts if they are good enough. Other parents use the same story to impart to their children a wonderful story of kindness and giving as well as the need to be responsible and kind themselves.

To me, a gift is a part of yourself you share with another. It is best when it represents a part of you that you think the other may also enjoy. For me, that is usually a simple trinket or game that reminds me of the giver every time I see or use it. Those are the best gifts, but then God has blessed me to the extent that my needs and even most of my wants have been provided for me by my job. If I want an MP3 player, I will buy it – I don’t really want one as a gift. Others who can not afford MP3 players may find it to be a fantastic gift. Others still, who are even less blessed, would find a gift card to a department store a wonderful gift – and the only way they might get a new coat or pair of pants this year.

See, the holidays mean a lot of things to a lot of people. They are, to quote a cliché, what you make of them. Each of you is wholly responsible for how you celebrate the season. Other people will celebrate it differently for different reasons. Some of those celebrations will seem odd, or even frivolous to others. So be it. Take the responsibility to celebrate the season appropriately for yourself and let the others worry about themselves.

[RubyJewelStone]

Yes, it is too commercialized, and quite frankly, it gets on my nerves. Especially, how they've come to push it earlier and earlier. If it weren't for Publix and grocery stores, one might think Christmas lasted from November-December.

I happen to like Thanksgiving a lot, and the way it is completely overshadowed by Christmas because retailers can't make a quick buck off of it is annoying.

However, that's not my main qualm. What really gets me it that whole "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" war. I get tired. I virtually have come to dread Christmas. I know I should be happy about the birth of Christ, but we aren't even sure when that was, and we can celebrate that all year 'round. I don't particularly like gifts either. I'm awful at choosing for others, and I feel guilty receiving. So really, there's not really much appeal to the holiday to me other than time off from school.

Maybe I'll start celebrating Festivus.

[Tyrel]

For me, I suppose, Christmas is not, in practice, a celebration of Christ, so much as an excuse for the family to get together and celebrate with food, decorations... edible decorations.. like food.. chocolate... some presents.. many of which are food.. and then perhaps some desert.

no, on a serious note, even being a Christian, I understand and admit to myself fully that ever since I was young, I certainly never really celebrated the theme of Christmas any more around Christmas time than I did any other time of the year, and still don't. For me, it's a good celebration, which consists of family, food, and good times.

Therefore, I don't think the advertisements are particularly out of place. It helps aid people, serving as reminders for them that Christmas is coming. What I do find interesting though, is the sharp decline in the interest of Halloween in the past decade. Is it just me or what?

[termyt]

For me, I suppose, Christmas is not, in practice, a celebration of Christ, so much as an excuse for the family to get together and celebrate with food, decorations... edible decorations.. like food.. chocolate... some presents.. many of which are food.. and then perhaps some desert.

Now there is someone who understands the season!


I think Halloween is in decline for several reasons. For one, it's a lot more dangerous. It’s unwise to let your kids out at night with a bunch of people running around in costumes handing out candy. It’s like the worst day ever at Neverland Ranch.

Another problem for Halloween is us – that is Christians. Our society has gone through some significant changes over the last 50 years. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s, Christianity was driven out and replaced by Political Correctness and the Separation of Church and State. For a long time, many Christians felt like they lost their place in society – that they were not appreciated and had no voice. As our society became more secular, Halloween especially changed from a day intended to mock al things evil to a day to celebrate all things pagan. In the late 70’s, organizations like the Moral Majority reorganized Christians. Christians re-entered the Public Square and started to fight back and re-establish their voices in the culture. With that resurgence came a natural revulsion of Halloween – now seen by many as a holiday with no connection to Christianity at all. Many Christians have stopped celebrating Halloween and anything that large numbers of Christians ignore will not be a marketing success for stores.