The "Christmas Spirit"--more harm than good?

We all have heard of the "Christmas Spirit." I guess the Christmas spirit can bring out the best in some people, but it can also bring out the worst in people. Christmas is now largely about crass comercialism. The Christmas Spirit can accentuate the gaps between social classes and denigrates those who cannot afford an ideal Norman Rockwell like holiday.

In a way, the Christmas Spirit is like drugs. We all know that a handful of people have been able to do wonderful things like compose great music, come up ground breaking scientific theories, and throw no-hitters while under the influence of drugs. This does not mean that drug use is always beneficial. In fact, most people are harmed by drugs. Similarly, even though we may hear news stories of people doing charitable acts because of the Christmas spirit, it does not mean that the large majority of people are not harmed by it.

True Christmas spirit, does not come from a store. THAT is the lesson most must learn.
It comes from the heart in all we do for our family, friends, and yes even strangers, this time of year.
There certainly was no holiday spirit at the Wal-Mart on Long Island .
That being said, there are many places around the world where those more fortunate than others, GIVE to those who are not.
You want to find Christmas spirit this time of year?
There is far more at a soup kitchen, a hospital, or a homeless shelter....than any other place I can think of.