Small Town News

Christmas when it was simpler

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Summary: It may be far too late but regulation is needed now.

Every Christmas season, parents and grandparents are bombarded with gift ideas.

In recent years, the latest in toys and electronic devices are always near the top of most lists. It doesn't seem to matter what the state of the economy is or where it's heading, holiday wants sometimes take the place of family needs.

To wonder why is fruitless.

To compare it to the past, however, is somewhat eye opening.

The best way to do this is talk with a grandparent or someone who hails from that era. Look back at Christmas 50 years ago, which in retrospect, really isn't that far back.

What people back then wanted for Christmas really wasn't that much, a veritable short list of possibilities and what they received was usually the single most possible thing on that list. Added to that were the things your parents knew you needed.

The intent of those gifts weren't any different than they are today. For families five decades ago, however, the wherewithal to purchase those gifts was much less than it is today.

During the past couple of years, many people found themselves having no choice but to return to a simpler Christmas. The trials of a bare economy in some parts of the country (yes, even North Dakota) have made recent holiday seasons a financial "struggle.

In the meantime, it seemed as though everyone is pressured into saving Christmas by believing that Christmas will save us. We're told that the shopping we do will keep the economy afloat or give us hope going into the new year.

That's the wrong way to look at it.

Christmas is the one true holiday of humble spirit and aspirations of good will toward all. What we all need to remember during the days leading up to December 25, amid the final crush of commercialism, is what we are poised to celebrate. A simple birth and the love that came with it.

This was most eloquent gift of all.



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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