Literature

The traditions surrounding Christmas stir warm feelings in the hearts of many—young and old alike—all over the Earth. Families come together. Children await the morning they will receive their presents. Loved ones give gifts, gather for Christmas dinners, and recall previous Christmases spent together. There is no other time quite like it.

However, this most popular holiday in the world is facing something of a battle these days. This time that is supposed to represent joy, peace and family harmony is the source of increasing controversy.

On one side, the Christmas season has come to be associated with some very unmerry things. The tradition of gift-giving has been transformed into a spree of materialism. Businesses see an opportunity to fill their stores and boost their profits, and consumers scramble to take advantage of bargains and deals. The sport of Christmas shopping that began for years on the Friday after Thanksgiving is now intruding on that holiday—and becoming increasingly manic. Scenes of mobbing, frenzied shoppers fighting over discounted merchandise have become commonplace.

The focus on consumerism creates other problems, such as families going into debt or failing to pay their bills in order to fund these spending sprees. Depression—which is often related to financial problems—and even suicide tend to increase during this season. On top of that, secularists are clamoring for an end to public religious displays.