King's Corner

Corruption of the Holidays
and how to fight back.
In our consumer society the only break we get from some horribly commercialized holiday is August, even that is ruined by attempts to convince the public they need to make purchases for school. Labor Day is about the BBQ, Halloween about high end costumes and candy, Thanksgiving is represented by gluttony and Christmas, well let’s not get started on how bad it has gotten. Do yourself a favor, break away from the rush, the expense and the disconnect of a commercial holiday and find out what they are really about. Get over the idea that receiving is what the holidays are about, get rid of the extraneous crap filling your plate and car. Get back to the basics, working with your hands and mind for the holiday. Go cut a tree in the forest, shoot a turkey or duck, the TV is not what should be guiding your decisions in life. Break away from the keyboard and screen to build a bird house, try baking a pie, developing new skills round out a Compleat Man. While taking away new knowledge and experience you can give from where it matters, not the store.
Each holiday is something different for each person, years ago Thanksgiving to me began a tradition of deer hunting. This tradition began due to the fact that I lived a good distance away and could only afford to be home for Thanksgiving. It was an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with my family and possibly fill my freezer. This tradition continues to this day. I am looking forward to going out and hunting. This is my tradition for one holiday, if this time of year is breaking your back, take the time to create your own traditions, buck the status quo and become an individual, one with an idea about how to bring back the true meanings of the holidays. I am looking to giving thanks for all that this year has brought. I can honestly say that there have been many changes and I am struggling to keep up, but a Compleat Man has resources; friends, family, beliefs, tradition and his inner strength. -B. King