Lots of Decor, But No Context by Susan J. Reinhardt

12/18/2013

We hear a lot about generics these days. Everything from prescription drugs to clothing has a no-name brand. The big draw is the lower price tag.

I've discovered another kind of generic: the generic holiday. Decorations adorn stores without the context of its meaning. In one store, the decorations were linked with the word, "dream." Ah yes, dream of those clothes and household items, and put them in your cart.

I'm sad today. I miss the Christmas Carols playing, the Merry Christmas greetings, the warmth of society celebrating one of the singular events in history - the birth of Jesus. We're left with the trappings of a holy-day, stripped bare of its meaning.

As a believer, I've committed to keep things in context. While I enjoy the decor and the fun, I'm in awe of the greatest gift I've ever received: forgiveness and a relationship with the One who created heaven and earth, Jesus Christ.

Writers and Readers: Has "generic holiday" sprung up among your retailers? What are some of the things you miss from past celebration?

Susan's new book The Christmas Wish is now available on Amazon. Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Christmas-Wish-Susan-Reinhardt-ebook/dp/B00H4H95KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386536500&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Christmas+Wish+by+Susan+J.+Reinhardt+kindle

5 Comments

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Author

Amber Schamel was born in Littleton, CO and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. She was raised in a family of 11 children, home-schooled through education and currently works with their 10 family businesses. Amber is a multi-published author and currently lives with her family outside of Colorado Springs, CO..

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Susan J. Reinhardt link

12/18/2013 10:10:49 am

Thanks for having me on your blog today, Amber! I had such fun giving readers a peek at what happened between The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear. My characters had a very special Christmas tale to share.

Karen Lange link

12/18/2013 10:28:10 am

It is a shame how political correctness has diluted things across the board. Thanks for sharing Susan, and thanks Amber, for hosting! :)

Joy Ross Davis link

12/18/2013 10:34:06 am

Thanks so much, Susan, for the beautiful sentiments about Christmas. There are many things I miss: my children's delight; the big family meals; staying up late to make sure I could do a good job as Santa; and attending midnight mass. All of those things were a part of the Christmases at our house. Each year, I would put 3 envelopes in our tree. On each one, there was the name of one of my children. Inside, there was usually $5, which was to be used in the offering at church. And each year, they looked forward to this simple little gift.
I think, most of all, I miss my mother. I miss cooking with her, setting the table, making sure everything was just right for the big gathering. And I miss hearing her say, "Sister, everything looks beautiful."
Maybe Christmases can become too commercialized, but it is the family unit that keeps the spirit of the season alive and sacred.

12/18/2013 08:36:01 pm

Hi Karen -

Yes, but did you notice it's directed mainly at Christianity? While Christianity is shooed from the public square, everything else is welcomed.

Thanks,
Susan

12/18/2013 08:42:13 pm

Hi Joy -

What precious memories you have!

We also miss family members, who have passed on. God has provided a family that has encompassed us with their love. While I still miss my beloved husband, Dad, and best friend, we cherish these special connections.

Thanks,
Susan :)