Holidays or Christmas?

Since I'm not in my own home, Mitch has been saved from our yearly conversation that usually starts...oh about the second week of November: "Um...can we put up the Christmas tree yet?" (It works in his favor that I feel so strongly about this being a family event that it does not go up without his consent and participation).

Since I have no place to put a tree, no functional railing to place a garland, and no cupboards to top with christmas-y things, I find myself just spending time contemplating the holidays (and PICTURING where everything will go, of course).

Here's what I'm finding thought provoking as the Christmas season is just around the corner (and in many places already beginning to sparkle):
I hear many comments through people I know, don't know, facebook, etc about how SAD it is this time of year. How FRUSTRATING it is that Christmas has become about shopping. How RIDICULOUS it is that non believers have no idea what they're celebrating. Yes, yes, and yes, I do agree that Christmas is not about commercialism, that it's so sad that not everyone recognizes the gift of our Savior's birth, and that our society tends to do this holiday fairly over the top.

However.

Is it worth getting this frustrated over? Do we want to spend the majority of this season worrying about what others are spending, how others are not giving credit, and how others are not appreciating the true meaning? I don't know. I don't think I can say yes or no just yet.

What I do think is that we need to be careful to check our attitudes as we look forward to celebrating one of the most special times of the year. I have decided that I'm going to appreciate the glitz and glamour of early Christmas decorating. They are reminding me already in November that Jesus came! Get ready to celebrate. I am going to buy my family gifts because it reminds me that God sent us the greatest gift of all, and also because I love showing love and appreciation to my family this time of year. I am going to sing Joy to the World and proclaim that truth, and I am also going to teach my son Jingle Bells because we can be thankful for the joy and fun that can be brought by this winter season of snow and wonder. I am going to enjoy all of the traditions created to remember Christ's birth, and I am also going to participate in some that were created by those who haven't yet heard the good news but still understand in some way that there is significance this season. I'm not going to waste my time tsking as I drive by packed shopping malls because it just isn't worth it.

Ok, strongly worded rant. Thoughts?