Where Did We Go Wrong?

The holidays are upon us.  The stores are geared up for magical displays with miles of needless crap in the isles, holidays sales ads have replaced political propaganda and local store hours are making the local news.  Apparently, Thanksgiving means a quick meal and then a dash to the local Wal-Mart for those fabulous holiday deals and then off to camp out at Target for the crack of dawn money saving extravaganzas.  

I find it disgusting that as a country that we place more value on material objects for the holidays vs. spending time with family and friends.  We have become so disconnected from our emotions that a new, shiny, super wide screen television says 'I love you' more as opposed to giving someone a good, long hug and saying those words verbally to that person.  Why would anyone want to leave their children in bed and rush out to the store in the wee hours of the morning after eating a big family meal only to get some stupid ass toy that won't mean a thing, other than materialism.  What are we teaching the next generation? 

I would be blessed to have children of my own but I don't.  And if I did have my own kids, I sure as hell wouldn't be going to the store to find the latest and greatest for my kid especially on Thanksgiving night or Black Friday.  That's just stupid. I would hope that my children would have similar values like myself and find more enjoyment with loved one as opposed to an object that could never give back any affection or create loving memories.  I place more value on spending time with my family, at least what's left of it, and my friends with good food, good wine and good music.  That's what's really important to me and that is one thing you will never find at the store!  elizinashe