We devoted time today for listeners to weigh in on their feelings about the Christmas holidays. Inspired by NYT columnist Maureen Dowd’s complaints (registration required) about the so-called “mullygrubs,” we thought we’d give listeners the chance to air their grievances. Here are some selected email responses.

To activate the feelings, we played some classic Christmas songs. Let us know how yuletide music makes you feel.

I think when you take away the idea that it has religious significance the holiday looses its meaning and slowly but surely it becomes all about the economy. Why do people insist on doing it. Let it be religious. Let people talk about peace on earth and good will to humankind ...what is wrong with that at a time of war. Why not grab the message...Christian or not, and get the most out of the season!!
-JS

I find the consumerism and the schmaltz over the top. However, even though all the "love" and "well being" is constructed and bought and paid for...some really genuine moments slip out. By forcing us all into this "Christmas spirit" some people actually are forced to unharden their hearts and be kind if at least for a moment...and that makes all the crappy music almost worth it.
-LM

The season is sickening with its focus on consumerism which begins earlier and earlier each year. And the fact that those of us with dysfunctional families must again, so soon after Thanksgiving, plaster on that phony smile and pass the eggnog (who drinks that stuff anyway). I'm really over commercialism of Christmas and people's lack of connection with the real meaning of Christmas. I'm actually considering getting away this year. And I'm not even interested in shopping this year. I have on the other hand decided to have a Pagan Celebration next weekend in place of a Christmas party.
-M

Christmas is a time of intense stress, unrelenting commercialism and images of merry revelers spending, eating and "consuming" There is actually a (Toys R Us?) commercial running that equates "toys" with "joy". What's up with THAT? Unless one is inspired spiritually by the true Christian qualities of hope, love and giving in the non material sense this bombardment can be overwhelming and depressing.
-EM

Charles Dickens invented Christmas as we know it. Blame him for the commercialization and sentimentalization of a holiday that did not exist before.
-JS

Posted by leboheme at 03:47 PM