Bigfork Eagle editorial

Tis the season

Commercialism has taken over. It has become the new "Reason for the season." Black Friday's pre-dawn melee is a perfect example of holiday madness. People arise from their post-turkey stupor to stand in line outside of the local big box store, only to be trampled when the doors are flung open and the hordes dash toward their must-have items. No thank you.

Whatever happened to the days of the homemade gift? They, along with everyone's spare time, have disappeared into distant memory. Now we have the Internet and, gasp, E-bay. Where is the personal touch in a gift that the giver will never see, hold, wrap or present in person? Ease and convenience have replaced the hunt for that perfect gift.

Also, we can now outsource our holiday decorating. Someone else can be hired to place the angel atop your beautifully, and professionally, decorated Christmas tree. Hate ladders that are balanced precariously in a drift of snow? Get someone else to install a holiday light display that will be the envy of all your neighbors. Those stockings hung by the chimney with care can be tacked up by someone charging you $15 an hour.

Yes, time is a fleeting thing nowadays. We work more and spend less time at home. There's not enough time to get a haircut, let alone plan a holiday party. Getting the kids to and from their recital rehearsals is hard enough, then find the time to shop for the latest and greatest video game system. Time is, indeed, a rare and precious thing. That is why it has become the best gift that there is to give.

Time spent with loved ones is better than any $40 sweater. Time given to a charity or a local non-profit is better spent than time wasted on watching another Christmas special on television. Time spent shoveling out an elderly neighbor is way better than giving them a fruitcake. Instead of spending a day on the slopes, why not use that time to visit with residents at your local nursing home? Give to Toys for Tots, then volunteer to become a Big Brother or Big Sister so that the gift of your time lasts all year.

There is only so much time that we have to make a difference in this world. It doesn't have to be a huge difference. The holidays are a perfect time to start really giving. Instead of buying more stuff, give your time.