Commercial Christmas

I don't know why this year the display at Cherry Creek mall for Christmas bothered me so much. I mean, it is a mall, the hub of commercialism at Christmas time. But please...reminisce with me for a second...remember the big tree in the mall during the holidays? With the piano player, and Santa? Over the past few years, the Christmas display has moved toward Christmas-y movie themes. Two years ago it was Chronicles of Narnia. Okay, this one was fine. The lion, the snow, the magic of the story for me is in alignment with the feeling of the holiday. Last year was Happy Feet. Now we are pushing it. Just because they are penquins and live in the cold doesn't mean they have to promote the holidays. And this year, it is Fred Claus. Now, I love Vince Vaughn like the next guy or girl, but come on...Fred Claus? I guess I am just itching for that old fashioned, back to nature Christmas feeling. The tree, the snow, pinecones, a warm fire, Father Christmas, hot chocolate, and a Charlie Brown Christmas in the background are going to have to take a backseat this year. Maybe next year.