Those Who Protest Too Much...

Is it possible that it's become a fad to complain about Christmas? This idea has been festering in my thoughts for several years, but this year especially, I took notice. I'm not denying that Christmas has been horribly mangled, what with all the emphasis placed on how much *stuff* will be under the tree. The complaint is valid, but somehow I get the impression that people enjoy the act of trumpeting their disgust. I've seen it in other instances - ecstatic moaning about poor health, for example. As though arthritis and heart palpitations is all terribly exciting.

I have a theory that people derive pleasure from complaining about the rush and bustle of Christmas, because their complaints are proof that they are part of the herd. It's the thing to do. I've noticed that people who grumble the loudest are often the biggest shoppers. They stand in line with their arms overloaded with packages, exclaiming over the fact that stores are too crowded, prices are too high, Christmas is too commercial. As they slap their credit card on the counter, they declare that they "Can't wait till it's all over!" The implication in their body language, as they go through all these practiced motions, is that they are somehow martyrs. But look closer and you will see a spark of furious joy in their eyes. The performance feeds their senses. Their hearts pound with righteous indignation. These theatrics are all part of the play. Glutonously pawing at all the overpriced merchandise and the tacky decorations, their pretended disgust pours over the feast like congealed gravy. These are the very people who feed the machine. They love to hate Christmas.

My admiration goes to the silent minority. People who mark Christmas with simple, old fashioned tradition, and are not embarrassed to stand out from the crowd by declaring their unfashionable love for the Season. And to those who quietly choose to leave Christmas unacknowleged, but don't feel the need to trumpet their reasons to everyone around. These are the people who know what Christmas is meant to be.

As for those who insist on going overboard at Christmas - my wish is that they would, at least do it without the running commentary. All that whining about something that could be changed if one really wanted to, is very unattractive.