Sorry its been too long since I last posted on this blog. Life has a way of taking you in multiple directions all simultaneously....
But, I digress.
Count-down 2011 is underway. Just four more sleeps until the BIG day. The holiday season is upon us, and you can sure tell; since most people I see out-and-about are sporting the latest frown and sneer. What you say?! Grinch am I??? Gosh no!! Just making an observation.
So lets delve deeper. Why the unhappiness? Why has this season turned into something it was never meant to be?? Why the frustration and dispair???
Well, lets go much deeper, and look at how this holiday started. Yes, I'm walking a thin line now; because there are alot of opinions as to just how it started. There's the well-known biblical story, which many christians adhere to without question. Yet, there are even more belief systems that do not recognize the day, at all. Weird eh? Well, not really. However, for the purpose of this diatribe, I'm more interested in the meaning behind the day, not the actual factual existence whereof or foreto or however it might or might not have happened. To delve into the religious aspect of the day would be a long and endlessly verbose writing; which many before me have already done. Maybe this one helps Or maybe this explanation is more to your liking
Whew!! I almost got lost google searching "how christmas began" But, I'm back now.
Okay, so my point, and yes I'm getting to it.......why are we so obsessed/determined/persuaded/convinced that buying gifts is the only way to celebrate this day??? I have always, ever since I was a child, looked forward to the holidays because I could spend time with family and friends that I don't normally see through the year, and extra time with those that I do see through the year. I enjoyed, and still enjoy, the sharing of food and conversation, of telling and re-telling stories and laughing together with these people whom I love. I have excellent memories of going tobogganing with adults and kids on Dec 25th, building snowmen, playing board games and card games.
I did a brief survey this week, and asked several people I met here and there what they thought about the materialistic turn that the holiday has taken. What did they say??? I was surprised that all of them agreed with me. They felt that too much importance is placed on the gift giving and not enough on the family gathering/togetherness. Some even went as far as to tell me about how their family decided NOT to buy gifts anymore, and focus soley on the family togetherness. Wow!! Nice!!
So, maybe there is some hope then??!?
If we all; or the majority of us, feel this way, then why are we still buying into the holiday?? Literally???
Here is what Dec 25th means to me:
Giving. Giving of yourself. Giving your time to help when you see someone in need, even randomly; while out walking. Pick up the toy you just saw someones child hurl across the store. Help a senior carry the grocery bag to the car. Talk to the person at the cash register. Give a warm hug to a friend or your kids!! Give a friendly smile to a stranger. Give a moment to someone, anyone for conversation, maybe while in line at the grocery store. Give your time to write a letter (the "old fashioned" way, with paper and pen) to someone you once knew and miss dearly. Give your heart to your most loved partner, open up and tell them how you feel about them, never take for granted that most special relationship. Give your soul to your children, listen to them when they speak and give your time to play with them.
Since the day is open to whatever we choose to do, I choose to spend it with those I love most. I give them my time, by listening to their stories and conversations. I share a smile and a giggle. We share our food and I re-learn how to hug and feel close to those I don't see often enough. And I open my heart and soul to those I love most dearly.
I can't wrap any of these gifts. These gifts of giving. I can't put them under the tree. I can't find them at a big box store or at the mall. Yet these gifts are given freely; without expectation of anything in return. Because in giving of yourself, you already receive a most amazing gift in return.
But, I'm not going to tell you what that is.
You'll have to find out, for yourself!!
Happy Holidays Everyone!!
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