Commercialism, Stagnation And Idolatry: Exploring The Darker Side Of Holiday Culture

Media propaganda uses antagonists like The Grinch or even Ebenezer Scrooge to encourage holiday participation.  Meanwhile, the social repercussions that result from indulging in Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years' are often downplayed.   So, I figured I’d list a few grievances I’ve noticed.

 Commercialism.  In addition to the onslaught of ads, the increased consumption that follows during the holidays is enough to make any environmentalist cringe.  Per a waste prevention f.a.q. from the PSSI and Standard University, Americans discard 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Years than any other time.  Obviously, this comes in the form of wrapping paper and ornaments, but food as well.  I still can’t get the memory of my brother tossing several pieces of turkey in the trash last November, because he couldn’t be bothered to contain it.  Multiply this behavior by millions of holiday-ers and one can only wonder what percent of the 25 million tons of garbage generated in these months is perfectly edible food.

 Stagnation.  Moreover, the Holidays may pass quickly for the average American, but for those without big families and events to attend (i.e., loners), it’s simply a period of general vacuity on a micro-scale and low productivity on a macro scale.  This assertion is based partially on health data: an article from PubMed claims 14% of Americans suffer from the "winter blues", a milder form of Seasonal Affective Disorder.  And I doubt being constantly bombarded with updates of other’s festivities makes this condition any better.

 Additionally, my claim stems from the observation of how administrative and logistic operations come to a screeching halt in mid/late-December.  Some may argue that this is a preferable scenario to one where America’s workers didn’t get this time off.  However, I’d reason those two truths are not disjoint (i.e., mutually exclusive).  In other words, a reality in which Western society comes to a halt during the holidays yet tons of workers aren’t granted time off (at least enough to enjoy them) already exists.  Further, a lot of retail, fleet service and similar workers get scheduled for holidays.  Conversely, Google, Salesforce and Accenture employees have some of the most paid time off, according to a Glassdoor article.  Thus, my implication holds.

 White Saviorism.  Of course, with all the talk about whether Jesus was as Eurocentric as the media portrays him, I can’t help but address the racial undertones of Christmas culture.  Granted, Christ isn’t a belief exclusive to Christmas, but Santa Clause is.  And honestly, the idea of a married, white guy accessing my house via a component that only the most affluent families have (chimney/fireplace) doesn’t necessarily spur feelings of inclusivity.

 As can be seen, the commercialism, stagnation and idolatry that comes with American holiday culture aren’t as easy to ignore for socially conscious people such as me.  Though, by trying to be less wasteful, boastful and a little less fanatic during the winter season, maybe you can help re-kindle that innocent, holiday spirit in grumps like me.  Thanks for reading and stay pissed.