This past Wednesday I went to Serranos Salsa Company to get a drink with some friends and what awaited me was a disturbing surprise. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was not the aroma of delicious Latin cuisine, but rather the sound of Burl Ives’s husky voice belting “Holly Jolly Christmas” over the stereo. Now, don’t think of me as a Scrooge. I embrace Christmas as much as the next person.
Each year I eagerly await TBS showing 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s holiday classic, “Jingle All the Way.” My cell phone ringtone will change to Jos Feliciano’s rendition of “Feliz Navidad” - but only when I feel the time is appropriate. I understand what Christmas represents to Christian life, and - being Christian myself - I see its importance.
What I fail to see, however, is why it merits commercial celebration before even the Christian celebration - Advent - begins on Dec. 2. Some would say it’s a conspiracy perpetrated by our own government to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the flailing economy.
Equally absurd is the contention that some people genuinely like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Personally, I think it’s all the result of a couple of overzealous shopkeepers looking to get an edge on the competition for Christmas decorations, prompting radio stations to believe Christmas has already started. I remember when showing Christmas decorations and playing holiday music even on Thanksgiving was an anomaly. Now it seems the celebrations start earlier with each new year.