Hi 79 / Lo 52
|
Hi 79 / Lo 52 |
Student Publications
©1991-2007
Last modified:
Contact:
|
Volume 71, Issue 108,
Monday, March 20, 2006
Opinion Monthly holidays times to unite, spend Adil Saleem
Is it just me or does every month entice you to spend money? Whether it's tradition or whether our culture has forced us into submission, there isn't really a month where nothing happens. Millions of dollars are spent on liquor, food and party planning, just in anticipation of New Year's Day. January is also home to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is kind of weird for me. I always question why American Indians don't have a very popular federal holiday or a month, and I guess it's the same with Spanish-speaking people, who make up the largest minority in the U.S. It's just something to think about. February, as we all know, is home to St. Valentine's Day. The whole world spends money on chocolates, candy, flowers and everything heart-shaped. Also, February 22 is George Washington's birthday. Why in the world do we not get that day off? March Madness arrives, and so does St. Patrick's Day on the 17th. Again, we spend millions on booze and green apparel, as well as turning rivers green. In Ireland, it's more of a religious affair, and pilgrimages are made. April brings religious observances such as Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Chocolates and rabbits, and more frequently, chocolate rabbits rule April. May brings us Mother's Day, Memorial Day, as well as Teachers' Day. These holidays celebrate mothers, remember heroes and thank the people who mold us into what we are. Things that mother will love -- flags and fake apples usually sell the most. Father's Day occurs in June and that's pretty much all that happens in June. July brings us Independence Day, and with it, the chance to barbeque and blow stuff up. Meat sales rise, flag sales rise and all drinks are consumed in the Texas sun. August is an empty month in terms of holidays, but August is traditionally when kids go back to school. So "back to school" events pervade our life. School supplies, clothes and electronics get a push in sales. Labor Day makes September a good month. Patriot Day occurs on September 11 giving everyone a chance to mourn and serves as a day of remembrance. October brings everyone's favorite holidays. Mother-in-Law's Day occurs during the month, as well as Columbus Day, United Nations Day and Navy Day. But the highlight of the month occurs at the end as thousands of pounds of candy get distributed, much to the dismay of dentists everywhere. Halloween caps off the month of October with ghastly sales of costumes, candy, decorations and pumpkins. November gives us a chance to celebrate Veterans Day. It also gives us a chance to give thanks to friends, family and God. Sales of turkey reach their peak in this month. December gives us Christmas, the best time of the year. The Houston weather is nicer, the malls are filled and Santa Claus is in town. I can't think of anything that doesn't sell in December. If it doesn't sell before Christmas, it's bound to sell the day after Christmas as thousands of people rush to their favorite stores for the year's best sales after making gift returns. All holidays present us with more time to spend at home with family or, more likely, time to do our homework. Some holidays have been commercialized to the point where they are now secular. But there is no "war on Christmas;" advertisers are just looking to broaden their markets. There are many more holidays that do occur throughout the year, as well as religious occasions for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Even though advertisers target us every month, I'm not annoyed with it. The most commercial holidays allow us to appreciate others. Whether it's our parents, neighbors or little kids, it allows us all to unite in a world that's becoming more and more disjointed. Saleem, an opinion columnist for The Daily Cougar,
|
To contact the
To contact other members
of
 |