A crowd gathers as security guards break up a fight between shoppers waiting in line as the doors open for Black Friday shopping at Target on Nov. 22 in Bowling Green, Ky.
I am not a fan of Christmas. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am Wiccan. Believe it or not, Wiccans and Christians share some of the same traditions during this time of year.
What turns me off about Christmas is how the holiday has become more of a commercial enterprise and less about good cheer, love and family. I hate that long line before Black Friday. WalMart fills its garden section with Christmas trees and decorations. I have not even had time to enjoy my favorite holiday, Halloween, before Christmas is shoved down my throat.
The horror stories I hear about Black Friday make me wonder why anyone would even bother stepping out the front door. People have been trampled in the aisles as frenzied shoppers vie for the latest and greatest toy or electronic device.
Images of carolers bundled up against the cold going door-to-door have been replaced with long lines of rabid shoppers waiting for the doors to open so they can snatch up the midnight Door Buster at Best Buy.
Tent cities crop up in the parking lot of Target as people anxiously await the chance to grab one of a handful of 42-inch flat screen televisions at the low, low price of $148. It is almost like winning the lottery because, even though the store has 50 on hand, only a few are promised at the sale price, and once those are gone, the regular price of $529.99 kicks in again.
Personal debt increases. Credit cards are maxed out and bank accounts are emptied as people spend more than they can afford in an effort to keep up with the Joneses.
The holiday has become more about who has the biggest and the best decorations. Every year it seems like there is a new fancy light setup or blow up Santa for people to stick in their yards.
The tradition of trekking through the forest to find the perfect tree has become a thing of the past. Trees are plastic and come pre-lit and ready to go. Even the ornaments are store-bought. Time that could be spent with family is wasted going from store to store looking for that one elusive toy or game that has been sold out since the day after Thanksgiving.
Corporations spend billions of dollars every year on holiday advertising to draw people through their doors. That advertising generates huge profits, and the true meaning of the holiday is lost in the bright lights of the big box stores.
Though I do not hate Christmas, I hate what it has come to stand for. Money, greed and the almighty dollar have taken the place of hope, peace and good will.
