
It’s a subject I have been talking and writing about for many years. As each year passes, my Christmas sentiment becomes increasingly entrenched. I’m longing for return to a genuine Christmas spirit like we used to know. I am know I am not alone.
I’m meeting more and more people who are completely disenchanted with Christmas. They’re trapped in the web of seeking a flawless celebration, burdened by the pressure to meticulously orchestrate every aspect of their festivities.
The prospect of spending time with family, often riddled with tension, fills them with anxiety. They find themselves fraught with stress, yearning for the most exquisitely adorned home and the most breathtaking Christmas tree.
The essence of Christmas
The weight of purchasing a multitude of presents consumes people with worry. I’ve had similar sensations after reading many similar certain Christmas stories. Then I realized we could return to the original Christmas meaning, the true Christmas spirit.
The vast majority of people live in overdeveloped countries with extremely high levels of prosperity. Our economic models have driven us to adopt an excessive consumerism mindset at this time. But do we genuinely require it all?
A simpler time
Christmas has always been a very simple occasion for my family and me. My parents grew up in simple families. In their memories, it is all about spending warm moments together, walking through the snow to attend an evening church service, and celebrating very frugally.
My perception of what the Christmas spirit is was most likely shaped by how they raised me. Christmas isn’t about getting, showing, receiving material presents, eating tons of food.
A time to slow down
Christmas is a time, perhaps the sole occasion of year, to slow down. It’s a chance to take a break from our hectic lives, pay attention to other people and engage with them.
They could be unknown individuals or relatives. Sharing moments together, taking time to play with the kids when you are busy all year, visiting a family member in a hospital or retirement home, giving blankets and offering hot meals to those who sleep in the cold, visiting isolated seniors, or just a word, a smile, can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Gifts are an important part of a child’s Christmas experience, but it is not necessary to inundate them with material goods. Involving them in acts of kindness, such as delivering a few toys to less fortunate children, will make them just as elated as if they have received these presents themselves. They will also discover that the greatest happiness comes from selflessness.
Going through the motions
A few years ago, I used to work for a large international corporation. I was frequently irritated because there were people in senior positions in this company who were arrogant and condescending. When you entered the building, there was a reception desk. And every day, I was one of the only people among the thousands who worked here, saying good morning and good evening and occasionally conversing with the receptionists. To others, these people were invisible.
As Christmas drew near, not a single person altered their behavior. The space was so well-decorated, reminiscent of a bustling department store. Enormous trees ornate with twinkling lights, lifelike plush reindeers scattered about, festive garlands and gift boxes adorned every corner.
And in the middle of the main hall, there was a box, for the benefit of a well-known charitable association. Not so big when you consider how many people worked there. The goal was to collect little toys and Christmas chocolates for underprivileged kids who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas. The box stayed in the middle of this exaggerated decor for approximately two months. Each time I went shopping, I bought a little present for these children. Yet, each time I dropped it into the box, a pang of disappointment struck me as I realized just how sparsely it was filled with gifts.
The people working here were handsomely paid, yet unfortunately lacked the capacity for empathizing with others. I have to admit that some days I considered taking some of the decorations to put them in the box. The box was only three-quarters filled at the end of the collection period.
The bottomline
We were all caught up in this elaborate charade, where the semblance of Christmas was all that remained. Our society encourages us to consume more and more. It emphasizes the importance of appearance in order to make us desire a lot of superfluous things.
But it is up to us to accept it or not, and to set our own boundaries in this vicious spiral. If we adhere unlimitedly to societal expectations, we may have the illusion to be happier, but we only become more and more dependent on our potential possessions.
Although it may seem optimal for commerce, it denies a large and significant part of our human nature. This very essence revolves around the joy of connecting and sharing with others that is as rewarding and enriching as our material wealth.
I wish you a wonderful end of year, filled with a contagious and overflowing joy as you embrace the true essence of Christmas Keeping Life Current.