Is Christmas Really All That Cheery?

December, 2022

By Raul Suarez, Staff Reporter

Christmas is always the first thought that comes to mind when someone asks me for a winter holiday. It has to be one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Many people celebrate Christmas, but as a person grows older, they seem to lose the excitement for Christmas to return to another year. Many of us remember the excitement of waiting until the 24th of December for Santa to deliver presents to good kids. I remember that sometimes, I could not sleep, unable to contain my excitement. Now, that nostalgia is the only memory I cherish about Christmas. From the living room of my cramped apartment, I would wait for Santa to arrive in his slay when even a used toy under the old Christmas tree would make me the happiest person in the world. Now, I do not look forward to Christmas. Of course, I like to be around my family, but it has lost its magic to me. 

Now, Christmas seems like a money grab for huge companies. Coca-Cola, for example, always has an ad in which Santa sits down and drinks a coke after a long night delivering gifts. The stores are full of Christmas propaganda and Christmas deals. Black Friday exists to promote wasting money during the holiday season. Video Game companies strategically wait for the holiday season to release games for children to receive as gifts. Companies exploit the season of giving to gain more profit.

 There is also greediness in humanity. Some people who receive a present during Christmas would judge you based on the price of the gift. Nowadays, people do not look for sentimental value and instead look at physical value. The true meaning of Christmas is not to receive but to give. It should not matter the price tag on a gift. Christmas is not about presents but about the gift of family. Be grateful for the family that you have. Family is more important than the new Playstation 5. Disconnect from the internet and live in the moment. Christmas only comes once a year, and for most people, it is the only time they have to talk to family.