Home Depot officially released its holiday commercial, turkeys are going on sale and dads are making their way to the attic, lugging fake trees and Rudolph yard decorations from the depths of a black widow’s lair. Aka, Christmas is upon us.

Tis the season for jolly good cheer, including a bounty of gifts, grandmother’s sweets (not the fruitcake) and giving unto others, right?

Unfortunately, those jolly good activities have turned into consumerism, gluttony and manipulation, respectively. And honestly, I am guilty of all these. Well, after 22 years of being a greedy American, the buck stops here.

Granted, there are people out there who genuinely give to those in need out of the goodness of their hearts. And for that, I commend you. You are what is right in the world, and this editorial is in no way directed at you.

To those who manipulate the actual gift of Christmas, let’s have a little lesson on gratitude.

It infuriates me to see people in the community doling out acts of kindness all for their selfish benefit. Gratitude extends itself outside shopping malls, too, and for those of you thinking it, I will step up and say church folk mainly seem to be the best at hiding it.

I worked at Logan’s Roadhouse waitressing for a period of time early in my college career and the holidays were horrific. Who knew a 15-minute wait mixed with hunger would bring out the worst in people?

I specifically told my managers I would not work Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights. It never failed I came home empty-handed and frustrated. “Oh, thank you for that $5 tip after generously treating your church members to combo platters and beer. I appreciate it,” I always muttered under my breath.

Or, I would be asked to ring up several gift cards in conjunction with their food purchase and would be left with a mere 4-5 percent tip. Two words: how hypocritical.

There is a lack of respect for our service industry people and it is appalling, especially from those who practice Christian ethics.

I think the golden rule best applies to this situation. Do unto others as you would have them to you. Stop the greed. Be a human being and hone in the true meaning of the holidays — thankfulness, gratitude and love.