shop until you drop

Today is a day that defines us as Americans.

Today is the day when millions of us get up early on a day we could sleep late, but we head off to the mall or the super center to plunk down our hard-earned money on those things we want or that we wish to give someone else. Today is the busiest shopping day of the year and all of the retailers extend their hours and reduce their prices in order to make it even busier. Some might say that this is evidence of what is wrong with America and evidence that we are taking Christ out of our celebration of Christmas. Many of you might assume that Jimbo would be among those making that criticism.

However, the truth of the matter is that our celebration of Christmas necessarily reflects who we are, and we are a capitalist country. Sure, we have gotten a little too materialistic, but as materialists, spending money on gifts for other people is our way of communicating affection. All of that spending helps to provide the fuel that keeps our capitalistic society running. The extended shopping day, today, puts a few extra dollars in the pockets of low-wage earning retail workers. Granted, it’s a shame they have to get up and go to work at an indecent hour, but capitalism, at its core, is not necessarily pretty, but effective.

At this point, I should slick back what is left of my hair, put on my dark suit and power tie and do my best imitation of Gordon Gekko and say that greed, for lack of a better word, is good and that the profit motive is what keeps most of us in business and working. Instead, I think I’ll remain in my pajamas, have another cup of java and tell anyone who will listen that I would never consider getting up before dawn and fighting the crowds. They’ll be plenty of time for spending later this holiday season.

My point, though, is this long shopping day is the starting point of the Christmas season. Celebrate Christmas the way you wish, and if it is your wish to go head-to-head with the shoppers today, then more power to you. Today doesn’t represent the totality of the holiday season, but it is a necessary aspect.

And, at the risk of pissing off a bunch of people on the religious right:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS