The Holidays- Part 1 :)

1.) The reason there are celebrations in December is because in the pre-historic times, winter was a very difficult time for the native people. The growing season was coming to an end and the people had to live off stored food or animals they were able to catch. These people were troubled as their life-giving sun vanished into the sky every afternoon. They were scared that their sun wouldn't be there anymore and they would have to live in permanent darkness and cold for the rest of their lives. What they didn't know is that this is called the Winter Solstice. After this passed, the native people of different countries would have a reason to celebrate because they would be seeing their sun rising once again. Although, there were still many months of cold weather, the people knew that the warmer months were on their way. The idea of birth and death/rebirth was associated with the winter solstice. The natives didn't have any fancy instruments to detect the timing of the solstice, but they could tell the difference in temperature of the sun's path after the solstice. This usually happened around December 25th, and that's why there are so many celebrations during this month. http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm2.) 
2.) December feasts were common because it was necessary to slaughter cattle that could not be fed during the winter and harvest, so farmers were loaded with provisions. There was not much work which allowed for feasting and social activities.  
http://www.chacha.com/question/what-are-the-historic-forces-that-established-december-as-a-time-of-feasting-and-celebration
3.) The ability to go shopping at supermarkets or department stores has grown a lot over the years. There are people out there called Marketers that advertise their products so much just so people want them. In society, people always want more and more things to please themselves or others. We always want things because we're jealous, we want to be ahead of everyone else, or we can't renew the things we already have. The reason we always want to shop is because stores have been commercialized and they feed our urge to buy new things. There used to be many individual stores and markets, department stores were rare to be seen and too expensive for most. Our people have been better educated to where they have the money to just go out and buy whatever they want.
http://david-mills.suite101.com/december-25-before-jesus-a38797
4.) The normal people who go Black Friday shopping were angry because the sales started on thanksgiving. They were mad that they might have to miss thanksgiving to get a simple sale. There have been people going on strike as well about people in supermarkets having to say "Happy Holidays"instead of "Merry Christmas." http://www.christianpost.com/news/buy-nothing-day-not-black-friday-occupy-xmas-begins-63056/
5.) What the holidays mean to me is that it's a time where everyone can come together; where you can finally slow down your busy life and spend it with people that you cherish. I personally love the holidays because I finally get a break from my fast life-style.