I sat here this morning thinking that here it is Christmas Eve day and people are running around doing last minute errands, shopping etc. In a perfect world wouldn't it be nice if they set themselves a deadline of 3 days ago or a week ago? Wouldn't it be nice if all stores and services were closed today and tomorrow? Then all the staff could be at home with their families, decorating their tree, baking, wrapping presents and enjoying family. Isn't that what Christmas is about? Being with those you love? Don't the holiday lights bring cheer? Santa and gifts and trees and pretty lights have little to do with religion. Let's keep them apart. Let's make it a family time.
I know that my children are far away this holiday season and I fint it lonely but they are all off doing their "family" thing and next year we'll all be together again. I'm ok with that because I do get to see them fairly often (although in my mind it's never often enough but they have their own lives now and I respect that just as we had ours when we were their age) Next year we're planning a big family gathering at Christmas at our home. It will be our turn.
But my concern today is for all the people working in stores that say "we must be open" at 7am and stay open until midnight? Why ??? Why should they be forced to work long hours when everyone else expects to be off enjoying the holiday celebrations? How many are told they must come in at 7am on Dec 26th for the "sales" - why can't the sales wait a day?
I love buying and sending cards or a Christmas newsletter but why must I buy gifts for so many others? Things maybe I like but do they? How many gifts are exchanged - or put away in a drawer to be re-gifted? Why is it all so commercial? We give our children what they need, when they need it most. For our daughter-in-law who was overworked and stressed after a difficult year with her father's illness, we gave her an airline ticket that she really appreciated and needed... because we could and because we love her and wanted to help. When our son broke his back and needed an expensive back brace he had no money for, we stepped in and paid for it without fanfare, It was just done. Gifts can be at any time of the year. Gifts are for the little ones who still "believe"
Is it all about religion, or good cheer and reaching out to family and friends, or all about how many sales were made ?
When we moved here 4 years ago there wasn't a restaurant open on Thanksgiving Day as it was a time for family and to give thanks. Now, they are all open, which means every staff member working is NOT enjoying Thanksgiving and is not with their friends and/or family. I think that is wrong.
Some may say - what about those who are alone? Well, they don't have to be do they? Can't they volunteer at a soup kitchen or read to little ones in the hospital or go to church? Shouldn't we be free to make those choices rather than be told by our boss that we either work or are out of a job?
These are just my opinions and I know many will agree and many disagree. Isn't it just nice that I am allowed to state them publicly, and hopefully without ridicule?
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Tags: Christmas
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