Without the Holidays what would we do? It would be the same all the time. It is good to make traditions even if it is only a piece of pumpkin pie in the fall. Or that hot chocolate in the winter when you are building snow men. I love Bailey's for St. Patty's day and yea corn beef sandwiches. I have fun buying candy at Halloween and beautiful fall flowers. Making presents is a good idea, the Internet even better. Hoidays will be here soon enough! Cookie

Cookie, I think you're missing the point.

Nobody is saying do away with the holidays; far from it. But we've gotten so far away from their meaning that all they've become is a feeding frenzy for merchants.

Once upon a time only Chrismas and Valentine's Day were celebrated with such freneticness. Then they (led by the florists) discovered they could turn the others in that direction. Easter, and St. Pats, and Halloween. Mothers Day, and Father's Day, and Grandparents' Day. And even a love they secretary and buy her flowers day.

And then they took it a step further, and started making up holidays. Kwanza, for example, which only exists in America. And then they discovered the concept of the Friday after Thanksgiving; and try, and try, and try to make it a self-fulfilling prophesy.

When does it become enough?

The very word holiday means holy day. Sometimes that can mean a religious sense, such as what Christmas is supposed to be all about (and hasn't been for lo these many years. And sometimes it can mean the reverent feeling that comes from being with loved ones in a loving environment.

When is the last time you mused on the meaning of Independence Day? Or Labor Day? Or any of the holidays you are so anxious to spend money on?

I do know what you mean. I really do. A couple of years ago I decided not to get all stressed out before the holidays. :eek: I decided what was important and what wasn't. I didn't want my Christmas to be to commercialized and that you have to decide what's to commercialized for your self. Some people like to start shopping early. It doesn't really bug me to see the Holiday stuff out early. That's just me. Cookie

Doesnt bother me one bit when they put the stuff out early. But Jon and I only have to shop for his Dad.
Im with Cookie on this one.
Keep the holidays in your home to mean what they are in your heart. Dont sweat the rest.

Your so cute! Janie this was a good topic. Cookie