T’is the Reason?
We are a week away from a holiday for which I have many, many questions. I grew up in a large family. We are the numerical match to the Brady Bunch, but numerical is as far as matching goes for our families. Christmas was regarded a holy holiday in our predominantly Catholic family–a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I am not so sure I even understand how we got to where we are in our culture today through celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
So, let’s be clear, I am not anti-gift-giving or grinchy about Christmas. I just don’t understand why we have created such a commercialized phenomenon around a day we are to honor Jesus. He is quite worthy of honoring, indeed, yet where in the world did all of this hoopla come from? Why did it grow into something so commercialized? When I was a child, I remember how excited I was to get my blue, banana-seat bike for Christmas. Christmas was exciting, thrilling, full of surprises! I felt very thankful for the gifts I received.
Looking at today, I have to say I feel we’ve gone a little beyond the realm of giving new bicycles. We buy our kids $300 and $400-dollar items, and then feel we have to get more to fill the space under the tree. Kids are getting trips to Disney Land, vacations to Hawaii, flat-screen tv’s (the big ones), playstations and x-boxes, oh my. Are kids even excited anymore after receiving so many large gifts? What are they going to buy their children? Houses? New BMW’s?
Yes, I am being dramatic, yet I know you understand my query: When is enough enough? I understand not all children receive a ton of gifts for Christmas. I am referring to our current overall standard in our culture. What is the reason we feel we want to outdo our parents or our neighbors or, in divided families, the other parent? How is this helping our kids? How are they learning the value of things if they just keep getting everything gifted to them when they are 10 years old (seriously, a 10-year-old needs an iPhone–for what?!)? As parents, we can teach them how to earn, how to work and save their money over time and buy something for themselves. There is a LOT of value in allowing our children to experience the feeling of working hard for something and buying it themselves.
In the Spirit of Christmas, by all means, do good things for others. Spread joy, peace and love. Spend time making something special. Take your kids to see a museum of artwork created by people who originally sculpted or painted visions and ideas with their hands. Take your family for a ride to see the beautiful lights and holiday decor. Spend time rather than money with those you love. We are creating our experiences, and I understand many of you love Christmas and giving; but the most special and important things you can give are your time and your love.
Enjoy the holidays. Be present with your family. Give from your heart. Receive with your heart. Let the magic and joy of the people in your life and the season enlighten and awaken you. Allow the sweetness of each day to soak into your Being. Soak up some good sweets, too; just don’t overdo it. Please, let’s not overdo it.
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Merry Kwanzaa. Happy Ramadan. Merry Celebrations of all cultures.
All my love. <3
Your words were well over due. ;)
