Function: noun
Date: 1528
1 a : a time of celebration marked by special observances b : feast 2 2 : an often periodic celebration or program of events or entertainment having a specified focus It's less than three months to Christmas. The period leading up to this festival (in English-speaking nations), is sometimes characterized by frenzied shopping and increased levels of anxiety. (I use the term, 'sometimes,' loosely.) My annual 'Stop the Christmas anxiety madness' lament was triggered this year by a lady who frequents my workplace. We were talking about the holidays and she reminded me, with an anxious frown that Christmas is just twelve weeks away!
Why do people feel anxious about a festival? The celebration involves time with family and friends. I'm sure that aspect of Christmas is agreeable to most people - so, why is Christmas such a nightmare for some? Perhaps, the answer lies in how they celebrate. The pressure to spend on: lavish gifts, extravagant meals and fancy getaways.
How about a law that prohibits rampant consumerism? Maybe the government could distribute free information packs on how to shop sensibly. Oh, hang on. This is a country that waltzed through the recession, accompanied by the constant ringing of cash registers. For an economy that counts on excessive spending, Christmas is another excuse for more shopping, extravagant meals and fancy getaways. For those who are financially independent, if that is how you choose to celebrate, the following twelve weeks will present you with some pleasant choices with unpleasant consequences.
This much is common knowledge - not everyone cruises through the Christmas period, stress-free. More information on how to handle the situation won't help. Rather, we need to figure out how to make sense of what we already know.
It is true - the best things in life aren't things.