Christmas is approaching yet again and I find that my Christmas Spirit has been especially high this year. I am wondering if my Sprit has already peaked and if it possible for it to be at its highest on Christmas Day. Perhaps it is because of the incredible displays that appear in every store front, at every hotel and restaurant in a tourist town like Banff. Garlands and lights adorn every surface, their twinkle inviting the passerby to come in from the cold and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider while they shop. Perhaps it is my whole family gathering once again in the home of our childhood, where Christmas has evolved from an exciting day of gifts and surprises to a meaningful gathering from far corners of the world. Perhaps the Spirit is just something that I have needed – a large dose of extra cheer amidst some of the change and confusion of my life lately. It is a prescription for the winter blues, thankfully accompanied by side effects of peace and love.
But the Christmas season also brings an arsenal of consumerism and a ‘me-centered’ Spirit. TV ads seem to be the greatest culprit, bringing greed and want into the privacy of our homes. We subject ourselves to it simply by turning the television on and need not even hit the shopping malls to be bombarded by people telling us what we need. Even the concept of Scrooge has been corrupted as TV ads falsely label under-spenders as somehow self-centered. Those of us who want to show our love for others in a non-materialistic way are now considered cheap.
It is a battle of Presents versus Presence.
My aunt once directed me to an article about how every item we own is in a varying state of being Garbage. A new object inevitably makes something else seem old. Possessions offer a temporary sense of fulfillment or use. I’m wondering what I’ll be using my ice axe for at age 80, for instance. I suppose it could be used as a cane if I become that hunched over. But ultimately every item has it’s purpose for a time, sometimes for only a few weeks and at other times a few years. The best possessions are the ones that we look at 20 years down the road and all of a sudden remember when we received it, never being able to imagine the years of usefulness it would provide. Things are just things in the end…and either wind up as revered antiques or as trash.
But our Presence to another person is a gift that cannot ever expire or be out-done, though it can go unnoticed and unappreciated amidst the consumerist hype. It is a gift that does not fade when it has been fully appreciated. Thoughtful gifts are also wonderful, but can almost be insulting when the Giver’s presence is not there. Time is love. Time is dedication. Time is also ticking away. Think of your time together this Christmas as an incredible act of giving to eachother.
Additionally, as a family or family of friends there are steps you can take to take Christmas beyond your simple circle:
- Participate in Buy Nothing Day.
- Have a Green Christmas and keep the earth in mind. Recycle wrapping paper and bags, wrap gifts in newspaper or don’t wrap gifts at all; look for eco-friendly gift ideas like alternative home cleaning products, organic, recyclable clothing (search at www.mec.ca) or reusable bags; and keep your Christmas lights plugged in only when you’re home to enjoy them. See this article in National Geographic for more ideas.
- Give to a good cause on behalf of your loved ones. You can buy a goat for a family in Africa, buy HIV treatment for a child for a year, purchase school supplies, or even a home, among many other ideas. Check out the catalogues at World Vision, CBM, FFHM, The Stephen Lewis Foundation, or search other charitable organizations for options.
- Take the time you would to go shopping and write cards only – you will be able to reach out to those who are not in your most immediate circle.
- Buy a turkey dinner for a family in need. Check out Banff’s Santa’s Anonymous Christmas Hamper Drive for an example.
Most importantly, honour Christmas and keep it all the year.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
© Meghan J. Ward, 2008
