It has been said that the Christmas holiday has changed over the recent years. Many argue that traditions are now modernized or not celebrated at all. However, others believe the essence of the Christmas holiday has not changed. Family and friends are still the number one priority for most american households as well as the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Nevertheless, half of the people who celebrate christmas do not see it as a religious holiday, believing it is a time of cultural celebration. Though both may be correct, Christmas has changed to become not a religious holiday nor a cultural celebration, but the biggest commercialized holiday celebrated by almost all Americans, in some form or fashion.
Christmas is around the corner and people are anxiously spending to give their best gifts on Christmas day. Last year U.S consumers spent an average of 700 dollars on Christmas. This year the American person will spend an average of 900 dollars on Christmas gifts and goodies, that is a 28 percent increase in only one year, all while the average household income has not increased.
Giving gifts during Christmas represents appreciation to our friends and family. We give to show our love and thanks to the people who are closest to us. What many people don’t correlate gift giving with is the religious symbol of the wise men giving gifts to the newborn Jesus on Christmas day. The commercialization of Christmas is the reason why. To read the rest of this story, pick up a copy of The Hawkeye from the newsstand near the front office or the media center.