Trees. Christmas. Cynics.

When most people look at a Christmas Tree, they are reminded of the Christmas spirit, and are filled with joy. The lights, the glitter, the colors, all make people happy. When I look at a Christmas tree, I am reminded of how gluttonous we Americans have become. We tear down the forest, and kill trees that have been living for years just to stare at it in our house. It is ridiculous, yet it is socially not accepted to not participate in such activities. We have a fake tree at our house, partially due to allergies, and partially due to laziness. It is much easier to have the same tree every year, stored away in a nice box, ready to be free at the first sight of snow.

This time of year, I am amazed at how much money, effort, and time people put into adorning their homes with CHristmas embellishments. Some people fill their entire yards with unnecessary items.

I find it quite unnerving that the word, starvation exists. If people can afford hundreds of dollars to make their yard light up, they can surely spend a few dollars to feed children. I am no saint,the majority of what I buy is frivolous, and will probably be forgotten within the year. Most of what Americans buy is not necessary, simply junk to occupy our dim minds.

Christmas starts in September, and by the time December is here, I am sick of it already. I used to love Christmas, but years of working retail has made it unpleasant. I still like the idea of Christmas, and 100 years ago, would have had quite a fondness for it. Things were different 100 years ago; people appreciated little things, Christmas wasn't about who has the biggest tree, and the best lights. It meant more, and was treasured. Now, it is about money, and numbers, percentages, and statistics.

Just think about what is really important. If lights, and dead trees are of great value to you, by all means- use those kilowatts and murder the trees.