Christmas Music Already?

As we return from our vacation trip, I am reminded of how rapidly things seem to move from the start of school through the Super Bowl.  And on Friday, as Lydia and I stopped to have a meal in Cracker Barrel, we heard Christmas music playing in their gift shop--on September 29, no less! 

 

If I had a retail business, I would certainly look forward to the Christmas season!  I don't get as bothered by the "commercialization" of Christmas as some do.  I am concerned that Christians remember the real reason for the gift-giving, of course; and I am concerned that some people spend far more on Christmas gifts than they can afford--and often, for the wrong reasons.  But in general, the gift-giving at Christmas doesn't bother me.

 

I do however believe that we have come to the point of rushing the season far too quickly.  And this does, it seems to me, border on exploitation and materialism beyond all bounds.  It certainly detracts from that which has usually been special about Christmas.  I sometimes think Christmas has been stolen from the Christians, and has been stretched out over such a long period of time that it loses its mystery.

 

I'll try not to belabor this point too much over the next few months; but hearing Christmas music in September was really a jolt.  I'll still eat at Cracker Barrel, though, whenever I can!