Fr. Simon recalls the good ol' days when Christmas was simple. Contrast that with today’s shiny, shop-till-you-drop chaos, and it’s clear: we’ve veered off course. So, when did Christmas start getting so over the top? Father suggests it’s tied to the rise of industrialization and the post-WWI shift in culture, when shopping started replacing Christ as the central focus. 😬

 

Even as a kid in the 1950s, Fr. Simon noticed the “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” vibe overtaking the faith-based celebration. 🎶 He pinpoints the commercialization of Christmas music and decorations as a key turning point: when Christmas trees and jingle bells became a countdown to consumerism instead of Christ’s birth.

 

So, what can we do about it? Father’s advice is solid (and refreshingly practical):

 

Emphasize Advent 🌟: Light the wreath, say some scripture, and build anticipation for Christ, not just the gifts.

 

Pace the decorations: Hold off on decking the halls until closer to Christmas.

 

Make it last: Celebrate the full Christmas season, keeping decorations and joy alive until at least Epiphany (or even Candlemas on Feb. 2 if you’re bold!).

 

✨ Key takeaway: It’s about reclaiming Christmas as a celebration of Christ’s birth, not a marathon of materialism. And hey, maybe throw in a few wise traditions, like caller Mary Alice’s “moving Wise Men” nativity scene. 🎁👑

 

So, yeah, let’s skip the industrial-strength Christmas and go back to celebrating the real reason for the season. 

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Fr. Simon recalls the good ol' days when Christmas was simple. Contrast that with today&rsquo;s shiny, shop-till-you-drop chaos, and it&rsquo;s clear: we&rsquo;ve veered off course. So, when did Christmas start getting so over the top? Father suggests it&rsquo;s tied to the rise of industrialization and the post-WWI shift in culture, when shopping started replacing Christ as the central focus. 😬
&nbsp;
Even as a kid in the 1950s, Fr. Simon noticed the &ldquo;Rockin&rsquo; Around the Christmas Tree&rdquo; vibe overtaking the faith-based celebration. 🎶 He pinpoints the commercialization of Christmas music and decorations as a key turning point: when Christmas trees and jingle bells became a countdown to consumerism instead of Christ&rsquo;s birth.
&nbsp;
So, what can we do about it? Father&rsquo;s advice is solid (and refreshingly practical):
&nbsp;
Emphasize Advent 🌟: Light the wreath, say some scripture, and build anticipation for Christ, not just the gifts.
&nbsp;
Pace the decorations: Hold off on decking the halls until closer to Christmas.
&nbsp;
Make it last: Celebrate the full Christmas season, keeping decorations and joy alive until at least Epiphany (or even Candlemas on Feb. 2 if you&rsquo;re bold!).
&nbsp;
✨ Key takeaway: It&rsquo;s about reclaiming Christmas as a&nbsp;celebration of Christ&rsquo;s birth, not a marathon of materialism. And hey, maybe throw in a few wise traditions, like caller Mary Alice&rsquo;s &ldquo;moving Wise Men&rdquo; nativity scene. 🎁👑
&nbsp;
So, yeah, let&rsquo;s skip the industrial-strength Christmas and go back to celebrating the real reason for the season.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.