Radar | Jan 21,2023
Jan 7 , 2023
By Kidist Yidnekachew
Christmas is perhaps one of the most festive holidays next to Timket or Epiphany. Although it is not celebrated outdoors, it still leaves its mark even after it has gone, shining with decorated trees and ornaments. For as long as I remember, my family celebrated Christmas with a natural pine tree with minimal decorations that stayed up even after the holiday.
We did not exchange gifts until my aunt started the tradition by handing me my first postcard.
History records that the gradual commercialization of Christmas has been occurring for centuries. While the holiday has its roots in religious traditions, it has become increasingly secularized and commercialized over time. Christmas is celebrated worldwide with gift-giving, family gatherings, and festive decorations. However, how it is celebrated has evolved from its inception, and the holiday has become a significant source of consumer spending and economic activity.
I do not have a problem exchanging gifts and recognizing the people with presents. But, exaggerating it may lead to a world of materialism.
People use the occasion for another festive gathering, but Christmas should be about remembering the less fortunate. Extravagant celebrations should not overshadow the purpose of a simple life void of worldly possessions.
What should matter as opposed to going overboard with gifts is the reason behind it. Quality time sometimes could come in the form of presents.
In the western world, the rise of department stores and the emergence of advertising in the late 19th and early 20th centuries influenced the transformation of Christmas into a more commercial holiday. Department stores began to decorate their stores for the holiday season and used advertising to promote their holiday sales and attract customers. This helped to create a sense of excitement and anticipation around Christmas, and it also encouraged people to buy more gifts for their loved ones.
As Christmas became commercialized, it became standardized. The holiday was no longer just a time for religious observances but for people to exchange gifts and participate in festive activities. This standardization was facilitated by expanding the retail industry, as more stores began offering a wide range of holiday-themed products. As a result, the way people celebrated Christmas became more homogenized, and it became more accessible for people to participate in the holiday regardless of their cultural or religious background.
Commercialization has also led to some negative occurrences. Finding the perfect gifts for a loved one and the pressure to buy more presents can be stressful and lead to overspending and financial strain. The focus on consumerism can distract from the holiday's more profound meaning and lead people to place more emphasis on material possessions rather than relationships and personal growth.
Despite these challenges, the holiday remains a time of great significance. For many, it is a time to come together with family and friends and to reflect on the year that has passed. It is also a time to express appreciation and show love and kindness.
While the celebration has changed over time, Christmas is still a beloved worldwide holiday. It continues to bring joy and happiness to people of all ages, whether through exchanging gifts, singing carols, or enjoying festive decorations.
PUBLISHED ON
Jan 07,2023 [ VOL
23 , NO
1184]
Radar | Jan 21,2023
Fortune News | Sep 21,2019
Editorial | Nov 26,2022
Viewpoints | Jan 23,2021
Agenda | Jan 07,2022
Fortune News | Feb 18,2023
Sunday with Eden | Oct 22,2022
Featured | Jan 02,2021
Featured | Jan 03,2021
Featured | Jan 07,2024
Photo Gallery | 96599 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 88878 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 67156 Views | Aug 14,2021
Commentaries | 65755 Views | Oct 02,2021
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
Apr 13 , 2024
In the hushed corridors of the legislative house on Lorenzo Te'azaz Road (Arat Kilo)...
Apr 6 , 2024
In a rather unsettling turn of events, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (C...
Mar 30 , 2024
Ethiopian authorities find themselves at a crossroads in the shadow of a global econo...
Apr 20 , 2024
Ethiopia's economic reform negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in their fourth round, taking place in Washington, D...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By BERSABEH GEBRE
An undercurrent of controversy surrounds the appointment of founding members of Amhara Bank after regulat...
An ambitious cooperative housing initiative designed to provide thousands with affordable homes is mired...
Apr 20 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Ethiopia's juice manufacturers confront formidable economic challenges following the reclassification of...
Loading your updates...