This year the relentless drumbeat of retail commerce seemed worse than in years past. There seemed to be more ads more often on TV, all of them testaments to the crass banality of greed. It might be revealing to explore how much was spent on TV retail advertising (including automotive) this holiday season. It definitely affected our Christmas. Next year we'll be spending and watching TV a lot less.

OK: correct me if I'm wrong but does anyone really get the true spirit of Christmas anymore? Look to classics like "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful life". Any mention of retail in these classics?

The true spirit of Christmas could be unleashed and would make this world a better place. I that spirit, feed the hungry, help the helpless or simply just act nicer to people. Instead, it has become this commercial juggernaut where poeple spend obscene amounts of money on worthless crap that people probably don't want and certainly don't need. It is simple greed all wrapped in the guise of charity. Everyone should be ashamed of themselves.

Is this the messsage of Jesus Christ? No. it is not. So why celebrate his birthday in this pathetic fashion. Wake up people. If everyone were to get out and act upon that spirit, we could battle hunger and need, if only for a week out of the year. The current trand is asddening, but noone seems to see it.

The biggest problem with Christmas is that the retailers started Christmas in October. Everyone wants to get the jump on the next guy.

Thanksgiving isn't even acknowledged, except for the fact that we get the day off. No retailer ever mentions Thanksgiving.

It Christmas is to become meaningful once again, it has to be placed into proper perspective.