Black Friday

Black Friday is over. The day after Thanksgiving is but a memory and for some not as pleasant as hoped. Merchants eager to get a running start on holiday shopping were not always received as cordially as they had hoped. Opening stores at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning did not always go over as well as anticipated. Camping out all night in chilly climates was not always the most pleasant way to get first in line.

Christmas, once upon a time, was a little less opportunistic. Many, many years ago, we seniors remember the holiday as children. No school, crowded stores to be sure, Santa Clauses everywhere which eventually made us question how could there be more than one? I vividly remember when our daughter, a mere eleven months old, had more fun with the boxes and wrappings than her gifts. The crunch of the paper had a most joyous sound to her little ears.

I also remember looking for a gift for my father when I was probably seven or eight years old. I had fifteen cents to spend and looked and looked for just that right present. I finally settled for a pair of socks. Imagine. I have no idea how dad responded but as I look back, I imagine he at least acted pleased, knowing him as well as I did.

Holidays have a long, long tradition. Ancient civilizations had their festivals, feasts and special events which often outlasted even their existence. Life without holidays, feasts, traditions would be rather dull. What seems even more devastating, both to youngsters and oldsters, would be the discontinuation of traditions, holidays and yes, feasts.

How well I remember feast days as a child when mom used the best china, cloth napkins and went all out to make the occasion festive. What would our society be like if we didn't celebrate New Year's Day, the fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day, and of course, Christmas. Personally, I miss celebrating both Lincoln and Washington's birthdays but will settle for President's Day.

Ironically, Christmas has become a holiday for everyone, religious or otherwise even though Rudolph and “All I want for Christmas is . . .” and St. Nick may overshadow the Baby Jesus at times. Most everyone, almost, I suppose would probably not want to change the wording to “I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas.” Let's keep it as festive as we can.