Is Commercialism Killing the Holiday Season?

'Tis the season to be jolly.... or not. A recent survey on the website of the State Journal asked readers "Do you find the holiday season joyous or depressing?" Although not very scientific, the result of the survey appears to reflect a trend in the population. About 25% of the respondents regarded the holiday season as depressing. Why does an increasing percentage of the population feel depressed at this time of the year, instead of feeling joyous and taking the time to celebrate and relax with friends and family?

A recent loss, a grave disease, or lack of family and friends, are reasons enough to feel depressed, especially at this time of the year. However, what if a person cannot pinpoint the reason for his or her seasonal depression? Where does the gloomy feeling come from?

One reason is definitely the extended holiday season. The retailers stretch it out further and further. "Get the presents now! Buy! Buy!" Nowadays, we start out with 'Christmas in July'. While the notion of the holiday season might stir up some warm and fuzzy feelings for the most of us, and some of us even start the bargain hunting, none of us really wants to start the holiday season in July. Yet, if some of the retailers start to kick of the holiday season in July, more and more join in throughout the remainder of the 'season'.

There used to be the time when the holiday season did not start until Thanksgiving. However, in recent years retailers have been observed to put out the holiday merchandise simultaneously with the Halloween merchandise. Shoppers can hear scary and ghostly noises from one side of the aisle, and cheery holiday songs from the other. And this in the middle of September! Similarly, some people decorate their homes earlier and earlier. Yes, there are those, who start to put up their decoration right after Halloween!

Is it really a wonder most people have a worn out feeling towards the holidays by the time Thanksgiving comes around? Who can feel jolly for several weeks, even months?