It is probably my favorite holiday hands down. Glittery snowflake decorations (not much snow in the Sonoran Desert, not that I miss it!), sparkly lights, yummy cookies, the smell of cinnamon, ginger and cloves in the air. Times spent with close friends and family, enjoying each other’s company, playing games, just being - together. As a child and teen, I have fond memories of going out Christmas caroling to shut-ins, the hospital and nursing home. I still remember to happy faces of the older people, requesting a favorite carol, offer hugs and hot spiced cider. I can still sing the first, third, and fourth verses of most well known carols from memory to this day.
In my twenties, living away from my childhood home – I worked on making my own memories. In Washington, DC, I would also visit the Christmas display in front of the White House. I try to find a Christmas production of some type no matter when I live, the Nutcracker Ballet, Handel’s Messiah, a church’s Christmas play or musical. These are things I love and remember from year to year.
I hate mindless consumerism.
I have this urge to slap people when I hear the phrase ‘I need to buy Christmas.’
Christmas cannot be bought. Christmas is not things.
Since 2008, when a man was killed during the black Friday madness, I have boycotted shopping of any kind on that day. Thanksgiving (another holiday I love!) has been swallowed up and is now being referred to by some as “Gray Thursday” since many stores have started opening Thanksgiving evening. This makes me want to cry and scream and yell.
I am joining my voice with all the others, calling for an end to this madness. For an end of over extending of one’s finances, for the buying of cheap plastic things that break before the new year, for the waste, the greed.
Instead, make memories with friends and family. Make gifts (useful things!). Make Friends. Make Laughter. Share Joy and Hope and Love and Peace. Give. The Christmas I celebrate is about giving. Not getting. God gave His Son. The Wisemen gave gifts. The Sheppard’s gave their worship.
This season I will try to spend less, give more, create memories, and reach out to others on their own.
All my gifts this year will be created and/or handmade.
I will work towards giving more to those that truly need.
I will work to create memories with my friends and family and for myself since I will be spending the Christmas Season on my own (Don't worry, I'll have a crazy adventure planned as always!).
I will try to find other people on their own for the holidays and spend time with them.
Below is a video which gave me much to think about and will hopefully give you much to ponder as well.
May your season of Advent be filled with Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love.
