On November 1st, when I went to get my morning coffee from the Starbucks on West 30th street, I was served my salted caramel mocha in a HOLIDAY CUP. That’s right. Apparently, the Christmas Season now begins the day after Halloween. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no Grinch– but that is far too soon. My local CVS had already decked the halls by the first of November as well. It seems to be that season to be thankful has been usurped by the prospect of commercialism. Halloween is no doubt a money maker; costumes, candy, alcohol etc. Hanukkah and Christmas are money makers as well—presents, decorations, candles, trees, etc.
Here we also find the aspect of secularism being infused into what are, at their root, religious holidays. While I’m no expert [Jew here] Christmas is supposed to be about more than a tree and Santa, right?
In a society where capitalism is the driving force, there is a push toward money making marketing. Halloween, Christmas, even Valentine’s Day —these are all times of the year that stores profit. Thanksgiving just isn’t as profitable [tell me, when you last wore a Thanksgiving costume?] and so, this day to give thanks is being eroded by the quest for capital.