EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

It's hard for some to think of a Merry Christmas when the bad news that floods the airwaves, newsprint and the Internet is deep enough to drown in gloom and doom.

Wall Street is shaky, the auto industry is hanging by a thread and the airlines seem to be either in a state of bankruptcy or on the brink of it.

Of course, when the matter is the sort of airline-related trouble that results in stranded travelers, it may have more to do with bad weather than bad business.

How depressing is the image of people sleeping on the floors and hard plastic seats in airports, as they try to fulfill the promise of that World War II-era song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas"?

But the kind of disappointment that can approach despair—seemingly so prevalent this holiday season—is simply due to culture. The American public holds onto and promotes the notion that presents and Christmas are tied together—and one cannot be enjoyed without the other. We have been programmed to be consumers, no matter what the cost.

Even so, an occasional article or TV show will point to the "simple" Christmas, in which the gifts are handmade and people are encouraged to feel better by helping others.

Self-crafted presents might work among consenting adults. But a child who has been bombarded with Saturday morning TV commercials is less likely to appreciate a doll made from yarn or a truck carved from wood.

The bigger problem is that there are more people of all ages in need of help this year. The economy is under attack and nobody seems able to explain why.

What are the dynamics that would cause gas at the pump to exceed $4 per gallon during the summer, but drop to $1.60 now?

Why was a two or three-family house in New York City worth over $600,000 last year, only to see this year's price fall as fast as the winter temperature?

This past week, it was announced that there would be a tax rebate check of $400 sent to homeowners—only to be followed by a hike in real estate taxes. Upon learning the news, one was left to wonder: what is the point of a rebate?

Despite the various challenges already posed—and possibly others yet to come—the human spirit will endure. Christmas does seem to rise above it all. Somehow the various tasks are carried out, the pieces fit together and the picture, while not perfect, falls into place for another year.

It is hoped that the upcoming New Year will find answers to ease the difficulties many are experiencing.

Tough times call for belt-tightening, and maybe the American public got a little too fat and could use some slimming.

For most, if not all, tradition will save the day. Varying degrees of commercialism and spiritual feelings will be combined to make another Merry Christmas possible.