I catch a lot of slack when I say that I don't like Christmas. I do not reject it based on religious reasons, I reject it because it is used by companies to brainwash and obligate people into reciprocal quazi-gift giving. At least Christmas has mediocre historical legitimacy as a holiday.
Valentine's Day is several times worse. A holiday all but made up by Hallmark to push card sales after Christmas, Valentine's Day is nominally based on Saint Valentine. Just as Christmas, it is no more about good will then Saint Patrick's Day is about the Christianizing of Ireland; rather, it is entirely about corralling American culture into this required gift giving. A gift that is required is not a gift, it is a payment. For any of you who claim these gifts are not required, try not giving your wife a gift on Valentines day.
Mother's Day (and Father's Day) is even worse. With absolutely no historical basis it was created outright by Hallmark to boost card sales in early May, a time lacking of Holiday's. Now, a person who does not give a gift (or a card) to the mothers in their lives on this day will be demonized as a mother hater.
Since a gift which is required is a payment. And since The positions of wife and Mother are relationships that deserve and require year round respect. To require a nominal sacrifice on these obscure days is not only ludicrous but, in pure definitions; prostitution.
Why have we sunk to this level? Why do we allow our culture to turn such a great relationship into meaningless business?
Mother's Day is not a holiday. Go ahead, call me a crazy woman hater.
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it'd be sweet if you made your own cards/letters/etc. either on the hallmarkian calendar, or the christian calendar, or on your own calendar! since we know that humans are seasonal creatures (moon phases, harvest seasons, mentrual cycles) and since God even seems to get into the Jewish calendar as a way to spice up community life, why not fight against the tide of corporate america and create something fresh? new holy-days like revolution day, or givingthanks, or no-empire mondays. thoughts? :)
ReplyDeleteOK Crazy Woman Hater... I'm totally with you on the Christmas thing and even more so on Valentines day. I hate that 'holiday'! I have, however, at least come to see why others embrace it. I'm just one of the lucky few who is in a marriage where I know my husband loves me everyday and we don't need to spend $200+ on dinner and a movie. Actually I think that's a choice... but that's a whole other conversation. BUT for Mothers Day, unless you make a big deal out of YOUR birthday to say thank you to your mom, you better at least call on Mothers Day! Because really, birthdays should fall into that category as well. How much work is it, really, to get to be another year older? Ok unless you're battling a terminal illness or over 80. Birthdays should be about moms working 24/7 to get you to your next birthday. And Dads too. (but they don't work as hard as moms) :)
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