There's an undeniable rhythm of life in the cycle of birth and death, the changing seasons, the stages of life as we grow older. The cadence is different for all of us, a unique pattern dependent on nurture and nature and the things we choose to put around us.
My experience, just like yours, is uniquely mine. It is born from who I am, where I've been and what I think, among myriad other factors. The American experience, our culture ever more consumer- and technology-driven, is one of holiday shopping sprees, climbing corporate ladders, fitting into neat little categories, compartmentalizing our lives into bundles of work, play, faith, hopes, dreams and desires. It's living for the moment, yet the moment quickly disappears.
The beat goes on no matter what, but the hustle and bustle of this coming holiday season is entirely manmade. We do this to ourselves, and here's how:
• We look for the perfect gifts, when sometimes giving ourselves is enough. Commitment is measured by time, money and effort spent. It's the time and effort that can only come from you.
• Three weeks ago, I noticed the first twinkle of Christmas lights on a few houses in my neighborhood. Is that overachievement or a sign that the real reason of the season has been lost? I think it's more of the latter, just as Easter has become all about candy and bunnies. Besides, some of my neighbors leave lights hanging on their houses all year long. Classy! There's a competitive aspect of bigger, brighter, first, etc. It's silly.
• The artificial Christmas tree, with roots in the early 20th century (made of goose feathers of all things), can be blamed because it "outlives" the evergreens that start dying once they're chopped. It is common for Thanksgiving or the day after to be one of Christmas decoration and gift gathering. This is not as possible with a real tree, because even watering cannot prevent them from starting to die. The needles dry out and eventually become a fire hazard. Careful out there!
• Holiday celebrations have become more about the outward changes than the ones inside. After all, there are the retail price reductions, parades and decorations everywhere. Even many Christians have lost the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, whom God sent so that all humans can find redemption through grace. Easter is even more significant on the Christian calendar. This is when the sinless Christ was crucified, and on the third day rose from the dead. What should be a marvel at God's love for humanity is now about getting the best price on Hokey Pokey Elmo (which, um, we already have in our house).
• The holidays are hard times for many. Because the family aspect has been retained for the most part, those who've got mangled families and bruised fruit from growing up don't relish the season of get-togethers. Perpetual singletons shun Valentine's Day in the same way, for good reason. It's hard to feel loving toward others without love in return. We've created an atmosphere in which the depressed can fall deeper into depression. That is, unless we reach out.
The keys? Here are but a few:
1. Slow down.
2. Stop buying a lot of useless crap, and for goodness sake, don't shop so early on the day after Thanksgiving! Retail employees need time off, too. Lessen the demand, please.
3. You may not believe in God and Jesus Christ. If you've been searching for something that seems elusive, however, I urge you to look there for inspiration. It is hard to convey in list form what knowing and loving Jesus has done for me, but the blessings have been immense. God loves you and wants you to know him, too, no matter who you are or what you've done.
4. Reach out to others who are less fortunate, whether to the financially downtrodden or those who are alone. Be committed to at least one person in need. Often, because of the past, we refuse to reach out to family who has hurt us. Make this a year of attempted reconcilation. It's on my plate, too.
5. Love isn't an acitivity, it's a lifestyle.
There is so much I can say, but I'll stop here for now. I am thankful for getting to know some of you – even only virtually. Technology does have its upsides in that regard, as I've "met" people who would otherwise be distant and out of touch.
The most important message is to celebrate the holidays – if you wish to celebrate them – in your own way. I heard a great quote this past weekend: "God makes the time, we make the haste." God's not in a hurry, and I'm trying not to be myself.
Have a joyous Thanksgiving.
Thank you for the timely reminder, that was really something I needed.
That was beautiful, T-bone. And quite appropriate - with everyone rushing to get to the season, we pass by the true meaning of the celebrations.
You hit the mark here, though, most definitely:
4. Reach out to others who are less fortunate, whether to the financially downtrodden or those who are alone. Be committed to at least one person in need. Often, because of the past, we refuse to reach out to family who has hurt us. Make this a year of attempted reconcilation. It's on my plate, too.
This is what it's all about - truly. Thank you - hope that you & yours have a splendid and blessed Thanksgiving!
Do you remember when retail stores were CLOSED on Sundays? I do. Do you remember when retail stores were CLOSED on holidays? I do.
It's appalling that some people work as late as 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and get into work at 5:30 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving/Christmas for the onslaught of *bargain/coupon* shoppers.
But it's the way people want it. It's not the corporation's fault. If sales weren't made at that early or late hour; if people didn't predictably shop in stores the day of a holiday; if people weren't so bored that they can think of something better to do on a Sunday than shop - the stores would be closed because there would be no sales.
A lot of people complain about crazed consumerism, but very few do anything to reverse or slow the trend.
A lovely reflection for what I always think of as a lovely time of year. November and December are big months of redemption for me personally. I wish you and yours blessings during this holiday season.
Very good post- kids love piles of presents, and we always had a huge pile-but some of my greatest Christmas memories were:
Going to see the Nutcracker ballet.
Ice Skating around in the mall.
Seeing all the happy families out strolling.
Picking an 'Angel' from the Angel Tree to buy presents for.
And "X-mas" decorations are cute, lights, reindeer, and all that, but a beautiful nativity scene is so much more appropriate to me, like Linus said-"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"
Thanks for the reminder, and have a happy Thanksgiving. You're gonna make me boycott retail the day after. ;0) I'll consider it the start of a new Christmas season tradition.
I have a few friends that work in retail and they have all told me that the sales on Thanksgiving weekend really aren't that great. Their advise is to wait a week and then shop, the prices by and large will actually be lower then. I agree that we can all find something better to do with a four day weekend. Bonding with family and friends perhaps....
I agree, T. I have put a limit of 1 gift from each grandparent for Alexa and am baking the traditional birthday cake for Jesus. I want my kid to grow up knowing what Christmas is really about - not just presents and food.
great post - spot on.
totally with you on the Jesus thing (as you know!). When you remind yourself what Christmas and Easter are really about it's mind blowing. we deserve so little, but get so much.
Meanwhile the shoppers shop ...
I'm ashamed to say i don't even know what your Thanksgiving is all about (i will google for it in a mo), but you've listed a load of great things to be thankful for.
Happy holidays !
I agree with you fully T Bone. The retailers make Christmas such an economic drain on the pockets of those who allow it to 'consume' them. Of course, there is nothing wrong with gift giving, but do take time to recollect on the true meaning of Christmas. And, as you said, remember the less fortunate.
Have a good Thanksgiving even if you may be 'Home Alone!' We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here, so it is work as usual tomorrow for me.
Good tips. Happy Thanksgiving!
You speak as if you were years older. Maybe some of us gain wisdom at different speeds. As I approach the mid-century mark ( oh boy does that sound ancient), I have begun to "figure" out a few things about the life we are given on this ole earth. Thanks for being a "virtual" friend, T-Bone. Never take friends for granted.
Just beautiful...