The Dying Spirit of Christmas
Christmas is only for kids.
The only Christmas spirit for me is vodka and rum.
Christmas seems to have transformed over the years but do you recall the sheer joy of yesteryears? The infectious happiness, the kindness that seemed to radiate from everyone, the plastered smiles, and how every sound had a magical melody. Even the simplest things sparkled.
It’s a bit perplexing, isn’t it? Is it just a side effect of growing up, or has the global festive tradition lost some of its sparkle in this era? Lately, people are getting that dead Christmas air; it’s a topic that’s been hashed and rehashed in various subreddits.
The festive spirit, once so vibrant, seems to have taken a hit over the years, and the onset of the pandemic only added to the dulling effect. These can be the possibilities according to some collective sentiments. (AKA gossiping)
1. Being the giver is tiring
Back in the school days, we’d have those sweet exchange gifts, and parents, godparents, and adults showered us with treats. But fast forward to adulthood, and being the one shelling out gifts without getting much in return is seriously draining — physically, mentally, and financially. That’s why I said Christmas is more for the kiddos.
It’s not just about the money; it’s the whole holiday shebang. Planning meals, throwing parties, wrapping gifts, and the post-celebration cleanup — it’s like a never-ending loop. Big shoutout to the moms out there carrying this mental load with a sack of responsibilities on their backs but the credit still goes to Santa. Ungrateful kids. No wonder divorce rates tend to spike during the holidays. It’s a whole different kind of festive stress.
2. Consumerism and Capitalism is the real star of the holiday
Christmas turns into this capitalist bonanza every year. It’s all about the shiny new things piling up that carts. But let’s not kid ourselves; it’s not just about the thrill of the purchase. Don’t pretend you’re all about conscious consumption and the environmental toll of it.
There’s this societal pressure to splurge during the holidays. It’s like everyone hops on the bandwagon, grabbing pricey party dresses, popping champagne, and going all out on decorations. But let’s be real; it gets pretty ugly afterward with all the trash, and figuring out how to dispose of it becomes a whole new challenge.
3. Global Events and bad news are Spoiling the Fun
The holiday season, traditionally a time for joy and celebration, now comes with a heavy dose of reality. The war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, escalating violence, economic collapse, political turmoil, mental health crises, health crises, celebrity breakups — it’s a relentless barrage. How can one concentrate on caroling “Silent Night” and playing party games when the world seems to be inching closer to its end with each passing second?
Throughout the year, we’re bombarded with these issues, leaving us somewhat numb then suddenly becomes enthusiastic by December 1. We toss the weight aside, hoping to pick it up again by January 2, but it’s not that simple.
I’ve witnessed people grappling with loss, unemployment, terminal illnesses, and various setbacks that cast a shadow over their lives. When a new year rolls around, the expected joy isn’t always enough to brighten their spirits; the dimness persists.
New year, old problems.
It’s like when you strip a snowy pine tree of its Christmas lights — it loses that enchanting charm and becomes a creepy, horror show instead. People these days are more grounded in reality.
Then there’s the collective guilt. Knowing that houses are being bombed, children are dying, and women are being assaulted worldwide fosters a sense of empathy that lingers like a sour stomach, making it hard to enjoy another slice of chocolate cake.
It’s like when there was a terrorist attack on New Year’s Day in 2017 in Turkey, and in some regions of the Philippines, Christmas celebrations are halted by raging typhoons that claim lives. It’s challenging not to feel a twinge of sadness and guilt when there’s so much suffering in the world. It’s not about ignoring it and singing karaoke; it’s about feeling these bags of emotions swirling in your gut when you have nothing to do with it or are unaffected by it. If you manage to maintain your holiday cheer without a hint of empathy, well, congrats on being low on the empathy scale.
4. Inflation
Everything is so expensive. It’s getting expensive to live.
Back in the day, we used to roam the neighborhood, visiting houses adorned with layers of parols, Christmas lights, and decorations that could probably be seen by aliens who are terrified to visit Earth. Now, it’s just one house, and you might as well skip the others; the electricity bill is basically gobbling up half of your salary. I’m not sacrificing my 13th-month pay for that!
Even food has joined the expensive party. Gone are the days of plentiful leftovers enjoyed throughout the limbo holiday week between December 25 and January 1. Not consuming food feels like a waste, right? Last year, as many Filipinos grumbled about the rising costs of commodities, a government agency claimed you could have a noche buena for under P1000. Well, that plan fell flat because these out-of-touch officials, swimming in excess, were tossing around hundreds of thousands for their own noche buena.
Face-palm moments like these should be framed. If you have lived knowing how to fly don’t dictate the fish on how to swim.
5. Family Feuds
Family reunions in Asian countries can be a real emotional rollercoaster. Millennials and Gen Zs share this universal experience, but it hasn’t been enough to dissuade them from occasionally pitting themselves against each other.
There’s the fat-shaming, the endless comparisons, the barrage of “When will you get married?” and “Do you have a boyfriend?” questions that turn the gathering into a live Q&A session, and, of course, the never-ending property debates.
You might not be able to control your auntie’s crass mouth and her unsolicited commentary on your life, but you can definitely control your presence in the situation.
As for me, well, I’ve become that somewhat toxic auntie who traumatizes relatives back and talks so crassly that I don’t get invites anymore. That’s just so relieving.
