As usual on Saturday mornings, we're in Ocean (a shopping 'mall') tending to the weekly household restocking and of course, checking emails and such (no internet at home). For the past weeks, we've been hearing Christmas music here around the clock. Everything is decorated for Christmas and we can buy more and more Christmas things from plastic trees and decoration to Santa hats. In this country Christmas was only celebrated by the Christians here but nowadays the 'middle class' wants to be considered western and therefor spends a lot on Christmas things. And it is promoted massively by retail.
Still, it doesn't feel like Christmas. At least, to me. Something is missing and I was wondering what it was. In the Netherlands, many people are no longer practicing Christians but the spirit of Christmas and the feeling that goes with it is still there. It still has a place in our culture. It is a time to spend with family and friends. Here it is a way to show how western you are and a way to make money for retail (like it is everywhere of course). What is missing is the Christmas spirit. And no amount of Christmas music and Christmas stuff to buy is going to make up for that.....
Talking about Christmas spirit. Just read on the BBC website about the riots that were in the US over sneakers. Ok, Air Jordans but still. Hardly the spirit of Christmas when people are pushing, shoving, punching, and even robbing others over a pair of shoes.....!
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