a random thought Susanna and I have been discussing:
why do people, after spending an entire day giving thanks, go out and shop like crazy immediately afterwards? It just seems a little contradicting to me.
how disturbing is it that the U.S. has one whole day set aside to be thankful, and the following day set aside to buy, buy, buy.... This might just portray our character a little too much.
With the upcoming addition to our family, I have been really thinking through "holidays" and how I want to spend them and what traditions I would like to create for us (didn't really realize how much freedom there is in this!). Seeing how the majority of Christians I know celebrate Halloween in one way or another, the stressfullness (not to mention gluttony :) jk) of Thanksgiving, and the frenzy of presents at Christmas time...this time of 'celebration' is not incredibly glorifying to God. I'd rather spend the night of "Halloween" alone with my kids making caramel apples and watching an old movie together (this is one of my favorite memories growing up), I'd rather give to those in need than buy unneccesary toys and gifts for people who don't "need" anything. However, I contradict myself at the same time as I remember the excitement of waking up with the whole family on Christmas morning and the surprises in my stocking...do I want to deprive my kids of these memories? Or do I wish to instill new ones? This is a dilemma currently as I have not come to a decision. But I think what is most necessary is a balance as we attempt to glorify God while loving others at this time of year....
5 comments:
That is one of the best things about starting your own family off on your own is the ability to start your own family traditions. However, my family does the Black Friday shopping and we did not buy a lot, but it was always the time that I got to spend with my aunts and my grandma and those memories are precious and I am grateful for them...just because you are shopping for the holidays, it does not mean that you are greed oriented. I do agree that sometimes it brings out the worst in some, but the entire event should not be constued as a contradiction. That's just my thoughts :)
Josiah made a good point, Chass, that maybe we can allow the little kids to enjoy the excitement of presents on Christmas (maybe just a few) and then when they get older, find other ways to celebrate.
some of my best holiday memories are from when we would give to the needy, or share our abundance over the Thanksgiving time, or share Christmas with people who were social outcasts or family-less. Maybe trying to instill traditions like that, instead of shopping, gorging, and selfishness, will help us ALL to understand what the celebration time is all about. Love, sacrifice, and redemption,
ps. don't ever give up your convictions and ideals in order to "fit in" or please other people!!!
It's exciting to be able to plan new family traditions, and also tie in some of the old ones. I think on Halloween we're going to get pumpkins and roast pumpkin seeds.
As for the black friday thing, I love it. Not that I love or even like people going crazy over the socks that are 25% off, nor do I admire seeing or hearing about the dangers that come along with the day, but I really enjoy going to a store at 5am because I always get excited doing things out of the "norm." Caleb and I went to the stores today and really enjoyed spending that time together that we normally don't get, though my heart and prayers go out to those affected by the people who chose a bargain over the safety and love of another person.
i don't like crowds, and have never done the black friday thing (probably because i have worked that days since i became an adult...i guess the deals are good..and i can see what your other commentors have said, but i like what you said too...specially the irony of one day we say thanks, the next day its everyone out for themselves. I know it's not like that everywhere , but the media certainly portrays it that way....
I thought Black Friday was when we say, "Thank God that we have a high enough limit on our credit cards to get us some good deals!!!" Thanksgiving just carried over, ya know?
Post a Comment