Those words ring in my ears every holiday season. They’re the opening words to one of my favorite Christmas songs from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.
As a young child, I remember looking forward to when this classic aired on network television. Of course, a lot has changed in my life since then as well as how and when Charlie Brown comes into our homes.
This got me to thinking about how our society’s approach to the holiday season has truly been transformed through the years. And by this, I don’t mean that its religious significance has changed.
Here are some of my biggest takeaways:
Viewing classic Christmas shows has been transformed.
This past Sunday, my husband and I watched Charlie Brown and his friends celebrate the season on our local PBS station. No more network television for this classic. Now, Charlie and his gang are owned by Apple. Their adventures are now only streamed on their service–for a streaming fee of course.
Apple was criticized over this and then, to make amends, “generously” offered a free screening on PBS for one Sunday.
It doesn’t matter how or where we get to see these classic characters. We love you, Charlie Brown!
Christmas shopping can be a 24/7 affair.
I worked every holiday season starting as Christmas help at Macy’s in my senior year in high school and continued through my college years. My first job out of college was as an Assistant Buyer for A&S department store. During this time, Christmas store hours were extended by an hour or two in the morning and evening. Opening your store on Thanksgiving was taboo. I left this industry shortly before the decision to open on New Year’s Day started and the subsequent domino affect of other holidays joining in. And thank heavens I did!
Christmas celebrating now starts in July!
I’m just one of those people who cannot understand retailers who put out Christmas decorations in the summer. Even many houses of worship have jumped on the band wagon holding July services focusing on Christmas carols.
I don’t know how you feel about this but I want to keep this season special. During the summer, I do not want to see Christmas decorations in the stores or sing Christmas carols in church on Sunday. That’s just me. I want the season to be somewhat sacred in its start and end.
Now, I’m the first to admit that I start playing Christmas music in November, which has driven coworkers and family members a bit bonkers.
My family must buy and decorate our tree on Thanksgiving weekend. Our glowing Santa, Rudolph and lights must still decorate the outside of our home, even if our youngest is now 20! But at least it’s Advent and not the 4th of July!
Christmas cards have become mini family photo albums.
Do you remember the Christmas cards that contained glitter and metallic foil? The cover contained either a religious image, Santa on his reindeer or a Christmas village scene. Those are the cards that I remember my parents displaying through our home.
Gone on those days. Now, we personalize our cards with pics of family members as well as our furry family members.
Christmas decorating has become a competitive event.
Over the years, decorating has evolved into a sport of sorts. When I was young, decorating the outside of your house was something your parents did for you and the neighborhood. I remember my parents taking me out at night to drive around the neighborhood to view all the decorations.
Now, many feel that they need to go to extremes. The bigger, the brighter, the more, the merrier! There are even television shows specific to this competition. Who ever thought this could happen?
I can go on and on about that and the many other holiday traditions that have been modified or eliminated through the years. But there is one thing that is certain. This special season makes me feel good inside and grateful for what I have.
Merry Christmas to all!
