I think all those things used to be legitimate before the marketing departments seized it and took it over. Seriously! I mentioned elsewhere the Christmas Truce of 1914. SOMEWHERE that spirit of good will was there. (Before “goodwill” was yet another retailer brand.)
You’re right to call shenanigans. If we weren’t so lured by shiny baubles, everyone besides food and ERs would be closing up shop for like a week every year because nobody bought anything.
There are marked occasions where we are encouraged to hit the brakes, hug our people, remember what’s important. It’s all drowned out by “SALE SALE SALE SALE”.
I think those songs and everything are so depressive because we KNOW it’s fake. It’s all plastic. It’s all illusion. It’s a forced song and dance trying to weaponize our nostalgia and our hearts and sentiment for profit (What in the Disney Channel indeed). And we see the disgusting, vapid gestures for what they are.
I sincerely hope you do have a happy holiday. Buying nothing, hugging your cat, fixing something for a neighbor, helping the unhoused, calling your folks, whatever.
I think all those things used to be legitimate before the marketing departments seized it and took it over. Seriously! I mentioned elsewhere the Christmas Truce of 1914. SOMEWHERE that spirit of good will was there. (Before “goodwill” was yet another retailer brand.)
You’re right to call shenanigans. If we weren’t so lured by shiny baubles, everyone besides food and ERs would be closing up shop for like a week every year because nobody bought anything.
There are marked occasions where we are encouraged to hit the brakes, hug our people, remember what’s important. It’s all drowned out by “SALE SALE SALE SALE”.
I think those songs and everything are so depressive because we KNOW it’s fake. It’s all plastic. It’s all illusion. It’s a forced song and dance trying to weaponize our nostalgia and our hearts and sentiment for profit (What in the Disney Channel indeed). And we see the disgusting, vapid gestures for what they are.
I sincerely hope you do have a happy holiday. Buying nothing, hugging your cat, fixing something for a neighbor, helping the unhoused, calling your folks, whatever.
Rebellion begins with us.