Is it the story of Santa and his elves? Is it the kindness and generosity of the season? Is it a decorated tree, family dinners and sparkling lights? Is it a purely religious day of good will towards men?
Is it all of the above?
So, I ask you...What is Christmas?
I suppose I'm struck by this strange question because of my own seasonal dysfunction this year. I am struck by the sense comfort and interest as the holiday approaches - I will spending this Christmas in a different way than any other. I will be by myself, with presents, movies, a home-cooked meal & lots of unhealthy treats! I have lots of phone time with my family - Skype is the best invention! - with which I can celebrate the holidays from the comfort of my couch. Not bad, not bad at all. I'm actaully kinda excited at the prospect......it will be an adventure......Christmas will have a new meaning for me & I think we could all use a little perspective during the Holidays. Don't ya think?
The Christmas List - What seems to define Christmas....
1. Christmas music- This shit started in October. By the time Christmas actually arrives many of us become immune to it's cheerful spirit & pray that we can become temporarily deaf. The worst offender - The Chipmunks Christmas Compilation. My ears bled. O' Holy Night.....more like O' Holy Crap. My neighbor has Christmas music hooked up to his holiday display....Silent Night, White Christmas and O Christmas Tree is on a continuous loop. Can I be charged with involuntary manslaughter if I run over his 6ft. blow up Santa with my car??
2. Christmas decorations - Rows and rows of this stuff. Holy glittering GOODNESS, Batman! The endless reams of tinsel; the multi-colored tress with fake pine spray; the flashing neon ' SANTA THIS WAY' signs; the animated reindeer......enough color, flashing-lights & glitter to prompt a seizure. I often wonder if stores have to have more fire insurance due to the increased volume of hazardous material, brightly lit for 12-14 hours a days? I went to Micheals the other day and saw five pre-lit tress plugged into ONE splitter....RUN, RUN AWAY!!!! I'm just waiting to see that shit on the 6 O'clock news......
3. Christmas lights - Ok, I love to go look at Christmas lights around different neighborhoods. I love me a good light show.....but there needs to be some city ordinance or rules put in place.
- Rule One - If you put lights on or around your house....they should work...ALL of them. The reindeer that is supposed to bob his head up and down....has lost that ability and now it just looks like it's trying to lick itself. Shoot it. Put it out of it's misery.
- Rule Two - If turning on your lights means the surrounding houses see a dimming of the light IN their homes you have gone to far. Likewise, if your power bill needs a COMMA....too much.
- Rule Three - If you are blinding passing aircraft....stand down.
- Rule Four - The nativity scene is NOT from a Broadway show - a neon baby Jesus & a flashing red arrow pointing to a sign that says " Christ the Savior" is...well....disturbing at best but embarrassing for your neighbors. Just....NO. *Yes, this is real.....these people live nearby*
- Rule Five - Halloween lights - one strand of said lights - are not Christmas lights. Just sayin. Let's hope Santa brings you some real ones.....because that's just sad.
5. Christmas Cards - Do you want Christmas trees with Merry Christmas!? Do you want a random winter scene with Happy Holidays? Do you want a dog wearing a Santa hat? Do you a biblical manger scene? Or how about BAH HUMBUG? Big? Small? Musical? Blank? Paper or plastic? And how many 'dozen'...1...2...3....*frozen by the choices* Head explodes.
So, I have come to the conclusion that Christmas means over indulgence, over spending, over decorating. Unfair assessment? Sure. I'm as guilty as the next person for doing all of the above. But this year I have an opportunity to observe and reflect a little.....and here's the thing.....
I'm so very blessed by all I have. I have family. I have a husband I love. I have food in the kitchen and a roof over my head. I am warm on cold nights and sheltered from the rain. I have friends & family - near and far - that care about me and I cherish them. I have more than I could ask for.....
But there are so many who have nothing. No gifts under the tree. No roof over their heads. No food for their children. No place to call home.
So What is Christmas?
Sharing. Giving.
I have several bags of clothes to go to the women's shelter. I have bought a few toys in addition to the toys I have - all of which will be donated to Operation Christmas. I have cleared my cupboards of all non-perishable foods and will donate them to the food bank with a monetary donation.
It's not much but I hope that in doing this I find that elusive meaning of Christmas and remind myself that the holidays can mean something different to everyone - but to me it's about being grateful for what I have and hoping I can make someone else's Christmas a little brighter.
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
You get the idea.....
