Stop...Now Bring It Back.

It's November 18. I'm sitting in a Starbucks and I'm currently procrastinating writing my enormously ridiculous (but to mention, full of BS) 3,000 page paper for my Writing Arts Seminar class. I sit, looking around. What's here? Other than the sweet aroma of coffee beans and faded sound of jazz, there's snowflakes on the walls. There's "Shake Joy" written on a poster surrounded by Christmas-y things. There's even a wreath above the over the top display of gifts all things Starbucks you can "affordably purchase for you or a loved one in this holiday season". 

Stop.

It's not even Thanksgiving. Society decided it was a good idea to fast forward through time and market the most commercial time of the year, which really shouldn't be commercial at all. It happens every year, and every year, it seems earlier than the year before. Christmas time is no longer about what it should be all about. It's about Black Friday. It's about asking for gifts. It's about little kids watching commercials on Saturday morning and saying, "Mommy, I want that!" 

Stop.

Now let's look at weddings. The average cost of a wedding where I'm from in North Jersey is just about $50,000. According to CNNMoney, people spend approximately $2,000 on their FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS. $2,000 for a bunch of flowers. Just say it a few times. Let it sink in. Weddings are about having the most beautiful dress and the most extravagant venue. It's about having the most perfect centerpieces and the most bling-y jewelry.

Stop.

Special times like Christmas and Weddings are losing focus. Christmas is a celebration. It should be a time when family members get together and enjoy each other's company; not a time to fight over travel plans or why Aunt MarySue can't come this year because she smells weird. Christmas should be about giving and loving; not about asking and wanting. Weddings should be about a celebration of two people who love each other; not brizedillas being featured on the latest episode on TLC. Weddings should unite two families and support the couple making the next big step; not to focus on the mother-in-law who wants a certain color napkin. 

Now bring it back.

Bring back the goodness. Let go of the selfishness. Bring back the spirit of giving. Let go of the asking. Bring back the celebration. Let go of the bashing. Bring back the love. Let go of the hate.