Getting Run-over by Reindeer

This past Halloween I found myself walking through various aisles of witch costumes and fake blood in my search for vampire fangs. I turned the corner, hoping for more terrifying accessories, and instead was blinded by a red light coming from Rudolph’s nose. Frightened as I was, it wasn’t something I would set on my porch to scare away little children.

It seems every year Christmas items go on display earlier and with more force. Soon enough the retail companies will refuse to take down Christmas wreaths and stockings, turning malls and shopping centers into glorified tinsel towns year round. Why are industries trying to shove Christmas cheer down our throats?

Some would argue that the earlier Christmas retail gets out on the shelves the more prepared the public will be for Christmas; that it helps to boost the economical level of the country; or that it is helping in the recovery of Hurricane Katrina. And if you feel that some of these reasons make no sense whatsoever, you’re not alone.

The truth behind “the reason for the season” is profit. Yet surprisingly there are many people who would rather do without all the Christmas cheer. A few of my fellow co-workers expressed to me that the only reason they even bother with Christmas is because of their kids.

I guess the best way to sum up everyone’s feelings on the issue is to quote a friend of mine: "It's like everyone thinks the holiday is too commercial, but nobody will stop buying things! I mean, I basically do it because if someone gets me something, and I don't get them anything, they will be disappointed, and I will feel guilty. And it's not that I don't like getting gifts for friends and family; I just hate feeling obligated to do it."

So enough with the feelings of obligation! It’s time for the public to take the reins of Santa’s sleigh out of the hands of some manager running the perfume counter (Quickly everyone! Grab your gas masks!), and start leaving the holidays to their designated months: October to Halloween, November to Thanksgiving, and Christmas to December.
Remember, Christmas is only supposed to come one time each year, and how can we ever look forward to, or even miss, something that won’t go away?