Holiday Ambivalence

I could easily start ranting about the stress of the holidays, which I attribute to a myriad of issues that have literally killed the meaning of Yule in a most insidious manner. In consideration that the so-called Christian conversion of a holiday that is deeply rooted in paganism, I'm finding that the contradictions of what the holiday is about is simply revolting.

1. If this is supposed to be a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, just what the hell are we doing focusing on materialistic crap? We've taken this as far from the philosophy that Christ was trying to teach negating it to the point we're willing to fall into the madness of commercialization to the point we'll kill a human to get that "bargain".
2. Christmas has become a holiday of extravagance- we're bombarded with sale pitches and every kiss starts with a Kay. Gag me with a pitchfork, please.
3. Everyone is freakin' irate. Everyone is bitching if their ice cream is cold. People actually get angry when their flights are canceled when snow and ice ground their planes during the month of December, for crying out loud!

However, the holidays do bring us some small blessings and joy. A short, but sweet visit with someone we're close to, but never get to really see one another. Overnight guests, still full of youth and optimism, providing some "light" into what has really become a very depressing time. Yes, this time of year does have some real positive moments, even in the midst of chaos.

Blessing of the day: Knowing that the younger ones still find happiness in such a fucked up world.