When people start to hate Christmas, you know things have gotten out of control.

A lot of people hate Christmas ”“ just ask around ”“ and it’s not because of what it’s meant to be, but what it’s become.

For many, Christmas is nothing but a huge chore, with gift-buying topping the list of tedious and expensive “musts.” The commercial pressure of having a picture-perfect holiday, with a well-decorated house full of happy guests, a fancy meal and tons of presents, is simply too burdensome for many, not to mention the financial hit of buying for everyone on a lengthy list.

But that’s not how it’s supposed to be.

Christmas is supposed to be a magical time of year, a time when we all strive toward that ideal of “peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.” For most, it’s a reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, while others embrace only the secular aspects of the season. But for all of us, it’s a time to revel in all that we have, from a warm place to sleep at night to the love of family and friends ”“ and a chance to take a moment to share that magical feeling of the season with them and let them know how appreciated they are.

The bright glow of love, joy and hope that is supposed to shine through during the holiday season is unfortunately being blotted out by the consumerism that is devouring it ”“ but we all have the power to stop it, at least in our own homes.

This year, “Black Friday” shopping actually crept into Thanksgiving Day, denying many retail employees a holiday and tempting bargain-hunters away from their families. This on a day that is supposed to be set aside for family time and reflection on the bounty we already have.

Most disturbing, perhaps, was a quote from a shopper who was interviewed for an Associated Press story on Black Friday. The woman said she felt that even happiness “ends up with a dollar amount.” As she was purchasing laptops for her children, she said, “You have to have these things to enjoy your children and your family.”

What a stunning statement.

Have we really come to the point where our very happiness depends on how many things we can buy? Shoppers like this woman told the AP that “there’s no way around it,” but we disagree.

Happiness comes from inside, not from outside. The pleasure of giving and receiving gifts is part of the Christmas holiday, made tradition through the story of the Three Kings’ gifts, but that doesn’t mean we all have to engage in out-of-control spending and lose sight of the rest of the holiday’s meaning.

Many families have agreed to cut back by limiting Christmas gifts to one per person, with a dollar limit; opting for a “Yankee swap” instead; exchanging names; or buying only for the children. 

These changes can be made to help us all refocus on the beauty of the holiday season and avoid the stress of overstretching our budgets. That doesn’t mean we have to forego the excitement of a great deal on Black Friday, or of finding the perfect present to light up a loved one’s face around the Christmas tree.

It’s just a reminder that we need to do more than just pay lip service to the true meaning of Christmas, and forget about striving to reach the impossible goals set forth for us in all those holiday commercials and magazines.

Maybe then more people will start to enjoy Christmas again.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.