As I understand it, the crux of Christmas is giving and sharing. Isn’t that nice? It is — and a lot of people would do well to remember these sentimental verbs as they traverse the financially frightening hustle and bustle of this holiday season.
Festivals of old celebrated the return of longer days and shorter nights with community meals and fellowship. Nowadays we regard these traditions as quaint, reserving them for the poorest and most unfortunate among us. As more of us become poorer and more unfortunate with each passing foreclosure, tradition might be the escape valve we need.
Those who might suffer for lack of what they used to have are the people who used Christmas to compete with their neighbors (although, if I know the male psyche, the competition will revolve around who has it worse), those whose rituals revolved solely around gifts, and those who upped the ante with each passing year by making things ever more extravagant.
The Grinch had it right when he said, even before his heart grew three sizes, “It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!” Indeed it did, and always has. It also came without credit. It came without banks. It came without financing, savings, or angst.
While the hungry and homeless are a modern-day focus, it’s worth giving a bit of thought to what else is needed after we’ve dressed, eaten, and found a place to sleep. Such was the intent behind Christ’s birth, the story of St. Nicholas (regardless of whether you believe these are stories of fact or fiction) and the Yule: everyone contributes. Not most to the rest, but rather everyone to each other.
We’ve buried the concept of giving under heaps of commercialism and political correctness to the point that no one seems to remember how it all started, but what lies beneath has not rotted away. It’s waiting to be found in much the same way and for much the same reason we squeal with delight (even if just on the inside) to see our stockings full and things poking out the top.
Article comments
1 - Mark Buckingham
Very good piece, Diana. Identifies with this series perfectly, and conveys a message the world could stand to hear more often.
2 - Victor Plenty
Beautiful to see the true spirit of Christmas shining through so brightly in this commentary from an atheist perspective.
Too many who call themselves Christians are using this time to complain about the horrific oppression of hearing people great each other with the phrase "Happy Holidays," or to whip themselves into a frenzy of fear about the communist revolution they imagine is about to occur in the White House. Yet the ancient power of human love and togetherness is still alive.
Perhaps, while there is yet time in this holiday season, many of those fearful Christians will lay aside their fears and come back to the higher values of charity and hope that have empowered their faith to better the lives of millions across the globe.
3 - Clavos
Excellent, well written piece, Diana.
You beautifully evoke what should be, but too often isn't, the real meaning and spirit of the holiday season.
Thanks for a very enjoyable interlude.
4 - Baritone
My wife and I were a bit chagrined when, during the past couple of weeks, we sought somewhere to volunteer our time for Thanksgiving. There are a number of organizations that provide meals and other services to the poor and homeless in the Indy community.
We could find none that wanted any help. However, they all wanted money. I am hardly opposed to giving money to charitable and/or non-profit groups. We do so with some regularly. However, as our business has been in the dumpers for some time owing to the economy and the housing mess, we have curtailed most of our monetary giving, at least until things get better and money starts flowing more readily again. I even had one woman hang up on me when I repeatedly deflected her requests for money.
I don't know if any of this really means anything, but its a bit deflating to know that our time, our abilities have no value even to charities, that the only thing of value we can give is money.
B
5 - Diana Hartman
Mr. B, it's sad to hear anyone would turn you and your wife away when offering what is in shortest supply: manpower.
Fortunately, Volunteer Match and Interfaith Ministries both have ample need of someone willing to donate their time.
It's worth noting that the best volunteer opportunities (most fun, look really good on a resume) are often offered to (read: made known to) those who volunteer throughout the year - not just around the holidays. Even a couple of hours a month all year long will get you more "in" than limiting one's time to the month of December.
6 - Terri Barnes
Diana: This is beautiful! I'm proud to call you my friend.