Retail stores have been a dominant, powerful expression of reinforcing the goodwill and community spirit associated with Santa Claus and Christmas. Retailers made it possible for us as a community to find common ground and come together in celebration regardless of religion or faith. Each year they put on many displays and give away gifts to the throngs of children that visit Santa Claus in their centers each year. A sense of community togetherness, sharing, caring, fun and magic is in the air for everyone young and old to enjoy!

1. Santa turned into a national icon - it was retailers who through commercialization turned the jolly Saint Nicholas into a much loved icon throughout most of the western world. Take Montgomery Ward's department store who developed a children's book featuring Santa and Rudolph. This book has been one of the most magical, heart warming children's book written which is still much loved to this day. Let's not forget Coca Cola who had him drawn up in their colors of red and white and made him even more popular.

2. Trail blazing Christmas excitement - yes it's true that retailers actually were the ones responsible for making Christmas popular to the masses. They extended Christmas into the wider community by decorating stores, putting on specials and adding colorful festive displays, choirs and in some cases small pantomime plays. The retailers really go out of their way to create each year a sense of celebration where everyone can benefit from and experience the fun, magic and excitement.

3. Retailers give the gift of Santa and reinforce giving - major retail stores added a Santa Claus so that children could have a special memorable visit and get a bonus treat or small gift. The event was nearly always marked by a photograph with Santa for keep sake. Today most of us cherish those visits, photographs and memories. Retailers remind us about the good virtues of sharing and giving.

4. Decorations add to the community spirit - with an array of specially designed Christmas gifts and ornaments at affordable prices, retailers have given the public the opportunity to decorate their own homes and make them extra special. Without commercialization we wouldn't have Christmas trees, tinsel, ornaments, Christmas crackers and much more which all makes for a wonderland at Christmas for everyone to enjoy.

Let us all remember that commercialization gave all people the opportunity to participate in a community celebration. Whilst credit card debt may have sky rocketed, this is an individual problem. We need to take responsibility for our choices. There is always a lesson for those who find themselves challenged with money skills. Over-spending is purely a sign that money management skills and goal/planning techniques need to be learnt. Search for some tips on the internet or seek out an accountant to help you learn the basics of budgeting and planning.