Regardless of the origins of Christmas, today it is hard
to deny that Christmas is a commercialized success. It is
a national holiday not only in the United States but also
in other areas of the world, and it is best known for the
tradition of giving presents to others. In fact, many people
head to the stores well in advance of the Christmas holiday
to purchase all of the presents on their shopping lists.
The shopping season tradition may be traced back to the
time of World War II, when it was necessary to mail gifts
early to the troops serving in Europe so that they would
be able to open them in time. Merchants realized that
this concept could be used when gifting troops as well as
private citizens, reminding shoppers to make their holiday
purchases early so they could mail them to relatives near or
far. As a result, the advanced shopping season was born.
Although many people feel Christmas begins when the first
bag of tinsel appears on a store shelf and ends when the
last present is opened on December 25th, the true religious
holiday does not coincide with merchant schedules. While
most people are bustling to and from department stores
and malls, Christians are participating in Advent, which was
traditionally a solemn season of reflection and fasting.
Christians are supposed to spend Advent preparing for the
birth of Jesus Christ and the joy that ensues during the
weeks leading up to December 25.
Similarly, the joyous time of Christ’s birth is a day of
celebrati