Though there are the purists who feel Christmas is about one thing and one thing only, I’m not against those who celebrate Christmas for their own reasons (I’m one of these latter “others”). That maybe it’s a great diversion from the daily grind. Or that it’s a nice time of year to try to be extra nice to others (wish there was more of this on a daily basis). To get into the “Christmas spirit” train-of-thought with a bunch of others who are trying to do the same. The whole giving and receiving of gifts. A time to think a little more deeply, perhaps, about the Human Condition...where we’re headed and where we’ve been. And, of course there are all the trappings that lend to some kind of Zen Human Psyche inner reflective warmth thing, with all the lights, decorated trees, snow, and the glitter and gold of presents!
Yeah, presents....
I know not everyone has the same belief system, so I certainly don’t have a problem with others who celebrate Christmas in their own way. Religious tolerance. Christians screamed for it way back (some even still have that need presently), so I feel it should also be extended to those of other beliefs in today’s world. Most holidays I know are bastardizations of different beliefs--just like Christmas, whose date was moved. It was originally set in January and was moved back into December for other reasons, of which there’re a lot of He Said/She Said debate between the religious and the secular/pagans who claim their reasons are the real ones for why some part of the holiday is what it is, or which date came first and for what reason (see links below). After all what does a Christmas Tree have to do with Jesus? Where did “Xmas” come from? Heck, the Big Brains can’t even agree upon a date for the virgin birth--or whether or not there was an actual, single, individual called “Jesus”! So my point is that we all need to better tolerate those who don’t believe the same things you, me, or my neighbor down the street do. If people are happy and giving, I’ll let them be happy and giving. I’ll not demand they hold to my beliefs, which may be different from your set, or the beliefs of your friend’s priest’s, for what Christmas “should be” all about. Since when do even Christians want Mind Police who control our every thought? I don’t like the rampant commercialism, either, but I’m still and just happy that this time of year makes many the world over a little happier...perhaps more introspective...and that it gives a little diversion from the workaday world to have a little more (hopefully) fun, be a little more playful! To throw up some brightly colored lights to see who can be seen from space first, or to lend a smile on someone’s face as they buy that special gift for another.
After all, we all deserve a break--and a little gift--now and then.
So, pardon the pun, but lighten up!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year--in whatever way you celebrate it!
