Is it really that bad?

I don't buy expensive gifts for Christmas. My family never has, so we are not bothered by the commercialism of Christmas. I don't have a TV, so don't want those annoying Christmas commercials. I just tuned out the commercialism of Christmas and focus on the real meaning of Christmas. My favorite Christmas event is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Just because it has been a bad Christmas season for the retail doesn't mean that the rest of the year will be bad. Our economy isn't only about the commercialism of Christmas.

Hello, nail~ Yes for me it is bad. The fact that the economy relies hugely on seasons for moments of "stability" is a sign of a even more serious problem. We have to cure our economy not just give it prescriptions to relief the pains. If the economy doesn't improve significantly then even seasons such as Christmas won't be able to help us in any way in the coming future. And that future is very close. Talking in societal aspects, let's just look at the children. Christmas has been so largely portrayed as a tradition of big festivity of lights, overtly abundant food and extravagant meryymaking and gift-giving has caused many families and in turn their children unnecessary pain. Those who don't even have the wherewithal to give are often forced to give, even if it just plunges them deeper in the ocean of dept. Whatever Christmas is supposed to mean or teach has been twisted in many senses...

I agree, many stores would go under and many more would be out of work. I try to shop throughout the year, as it would easier on the pocket book. But many go out later in December, and charge up their cards for Christmas.

I focus on the essence of Christmas than its commercialism. And the joy of giving matters most to me. Happy New Year!

Well,the Christmas commercialized facilities the spread of the holiday culture.In China,it is not the national day actually,but all the shopping malls would make promotion in the name of Christmas .It really stimulates the consumption.But I should say that no matter what it will be in the future,we need to respect the tradition first.People should learn to get into the Christmas spirit and then start with the celebration.

Especially in Western society and other societies wanting to imitate Western beahviour (as often but not always) becomes the case, capitalism will always prevail. Meaning, any tradition-religious or otherwise, someone will figure out a way to make money off of it or from it. But I read through some of the above responses and agree with what most said that for those who still celebrate Christmas non-secularly or for the religious reasons will not be affected by the commercialism aspect of it. After all, even if it's available doesn't mean you have to participate. Merry belated Christmas, all.

Christmas is what you make of it. If it seems too commercial, then who's fault is it? (Not speaking to YOU, but to people in general.) It's become a very important part of our economy and I don't blame the merchants one bit when they try to sell as much as they can. For some, it's a make it or break it deal and if they don't make enough at Christmas, they'll be out of business. Simple mathematics.

Christmas has been celebrated all over the world for decades now and the holiday being secular doesn't really affect religious people at all. The spirit of Christmas is still there whether it's secular or not and that is the spirit of giving. It's impact on economy is unprecedented and that is something that we should be thankful for. I guess if Christmas is still celebrated as a holiday for giving, even to non-religious folks, then that's fine by me.

What I find interesting is that so many people do not believe in what Christmas is about, or used to be anyways. This I find pretty strange. The commercialization doesn't faze me one way or the other. It's all about giving, and like you mentioned, without the retail industry we'd be in big trouble. I don't think it's a bad topic at all..to each his own, right? I have my own religion and my own beliefs. Maybe that's why nothing really bothers me, as long as I follow my heart and what I believe in. I do know though that there were many complaints about the Christmas season this year here on myLot, and people were really glad when it was over. That struck me kind of odd too I guess.

I don't really think it's bad, however it's not good to spend too much money just for Christmas gifts but I do agree that it may bring some positive effect in economies, for retail industry which selling them. Though I personally don't spend much for Christmas, in my opinion if you do have much money to spend then spend it to help orphan children who usually can't afford any expensive things at Christmas or even the poor neighbor who usually can't enjoy any expensive things, Christmas is all about grace and love anyway.