It is rather sad, how holiday's have degenerated to merely retail events and they have lost the reason for the occasion. Thanksgiving was a three day event, A big dinner on the day, then leftovers for three days, we talked about the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, the Indians, the First Thanksgiving, we thought of and talked about the "reason" for the day. We ate traditional foods, prepared as they had been, on "that" day.
After we stuffed ourselves, we sat and talked, relatives, friends, neighbors, people dropped in. The leftover food lasted through Sunday, and then, back to work on Monday, and then, all the traditions leading up to Christmas, which in those days, revolved around the Birth of Christ. Santa Clause was apparently introduced to the season, to bring "gifts." I'm sure his survival has been perpetuated by retailers, who saw his participation as generating sales in the stores.
I miss the radio, Burns and Allen, Jack Benny, Our Miss Brooks, all the shows that did "seasonal" shows, they were a part of that particular season .... I just miss that ...... quieter ....... gentler time.
