Thread: Christmas only gets less magical as you grow older

In this sense, I suppose we can look at Christmas as being symbolic of childhood in western society. It starts out a beautiful lie, meant to entrance and spark the imagination of the young ones, perpetrated by their guardians who beileve it's cute, and therefore a good thing. At some point, the naivety and illusion have to wear off, as we live in reality, not a fantasy dream world, and the disillusionment is devestating to kids, and indeed adults as well, who seek to live in this fantasy world. In a sense, we still do live said fantasy, either incapable or unwilling to face reality as it is - winter cold and bleak. This is not to say that there is no good thing about such a fantasy, because it also serves as a vehicle for families to unite and spend time together, with many families being so far apart through the year(s).

Regardless though, this kind of behavior is akin to taunting animals by dangling treats before them, only to jerk the sweets away at the last second. We spend all the time crafting this elaborate prank that lasts years and years, supports the notion that greed and handouts are a part of the natural world and the best way to show your love is to spend money on somebody, only to have the magic and beauty of the season disappear as such illusions cannot last in the face of reality; the desire for material things, the notion that one is obligated to spend vast amounts of money based on the time of year and the notion that you are entitled to gifts that are supposed to be given altruistically remain behind. Some choose to recreate the fantasy with full knowledge of reality, and others turn bitter.

Regardless, I never really bought into the 'magic of christmas.' I always enjoyed visiting with family who i didn't see all that often, and who doesn't love getting free shit? But seasonal celebrations and santa claus were always far-fetched, and I never believed in them. Seeing through the illusion spared me the pain of disillusionment (what a crushing disappointment for a child), yet at the same time, as though I was looking in through a window from the outside in, those who buy the image and stagnant mythology seem so blissful, and I suffer a pang of jealousy for that.

Originally Posted by coqauvin

In this sense, I suppose we can look at Christmas as being symbolic of childhood in western society. It starts out a beautiful lie, meant to entrance and spark the imagination of the young ones, perpetrated by their guardians who beileve it's cute, and therefore a good thing. At some point, the naivety and illusion have to wear off, as we live in reality, not a fantasy dream world, and the disillusionment is devestating to kids, and indeed adults as well, who seek to live in this fantasy world. In a sense, we still do live said fantasy, either incapable or unwilling to face reality as it is - winter cold and bleak. This is not to say that there is no good thing about such a fantasy, because it also serves as a vehicle for families to unite and spend time together, with many families being so far apart through the year(s).

only devastating for the weak-minded; for others it is a good lesson learned

Regardless though, this kind of behavior is akin to taunting animals by dangling treats before them, only to jerk the sweets away at the last second. We spend all the time crafting this elaborate prank that lasts years and years, supports the notion that greed and handouts are a part of the natural world and the best way to show your love is to spend money on somebody, only to have the magic and beauty of the season disappear as such illusions cannot last in the face of reality; the desire for material things, the notion that one is obligated to spend vast amounts of money based on the time of year and the notion that you are entitled to gifts that are supposed to be given altruistically remain behind. Some choose to recreate the fantasy with full knowledge of reality, and others turn bitter.

more like, the animals get the treat periodically, and then you stop giving it to them
the experience of withdrawal is a good test for character

Regardless, I never really bought into the 'magic of christmas.' I always enjoyed visiting with family who i didn't see all that often, and who doesn't love getting free shit? But seasonal celebrations and santa claus were always far-fetched, and I never believed in them. Seeing through the illusion spared me the pain of disillusionment (what a crushing disappointment for a child), yet at the same time, as though I was looking in through a window from the outside in, those who buy the image and stagnant mythology seem so blissful, and I suffer a pang of jealousy for that.

as you have experienced the greatness of knowledge you know to never be jealous of people who don't know any better