The culmination to weeks of errands is here. Cleaning up the house, putting up the decorations, getting the sweets ready, buying the gifts, wrapping the gifts, getting our new clothes stitched and on and on we went. Right up until this blissful day dawned and we got ready to wish each other a Merry Christmas morn. Outside many stores and in most homes there is a Santa with a joyful smile, celebrating and bringing in good tidings our way. The merriment is in full swing, everything is flowing along with our smiles and Christmas cheer. With all our last minute checks on point against what was to be ticked off our to-do list this season. I’m sure we got most of it done. This is the scenario today. This is how we celebrate Christmas, now commonly known as X-Mas. I can’t help but ask, is that just a coincidence, or a well thought out plan to actually strike out the Christ from Christmas?
A silent, holy night as the carol says is the actual meaning of Christmas. Today, in the midst of all that is going on in this world, a silent and holy night is the last thing we would expect. Gone are the days of solemnly bringing in the day with a mid-night mass that is meaningful, now the congregation is in a mighty hurry to get out of there and get themselves to the hippest and most happening dance/party. Gone are the days of peaceful home cooked dinners with family and friends and in has sauntered quick dinners outside home on the way to some do. That’s all good and done as now we do deserve a few moments out to just relax, but the real meaning of Christmas is so much deeper, so much more special and yes, so much more meaningful than what we now experience.
Going back in time is not what I am talking about here. It is simple, but still so difficult to do. All of us are on the downward spiral together, but hey, there is always a moment of reflection that can make things better. Giving to others what we have in abundance. It doesn’t even have to be monetary. A smile when there is grief and hey there is a lot of that going around, a helping hand to those in need, feeding a mouth that is starving, donating a tiny percent of what you budgeted your Christmas shopping to cost, even just giving a listening ear to a person who needs to talk. It is these simple things that keep the true Christmas spirit alive. We all need a little polishing every once in a while. This thought came very suddenly one evening when very unceremoniously, a friend made a small donation, definitely not that big to break the bank or even put her into any financial discomfort. A few weeks later the organisation she made the donation contacted her and thanked her profusely, this was also followed by a thank you card. Her words were, “The joy that small deed brought me is immeasurable”. The point here being, a little selfless thought is an all-around positive for all involved. This philanthropic attitude is needed most in the times we are going through.
There is destruction and anger everywhere we look today. This beautiful country, today stands divided on grounds that are so very unclear. Sharing the joy and sharing the love this season, is a tiny step in the direction I’m sure we all want to go. It is about enjoying the company of people, giving whatever little we can in a spirit that defines generosity rather than reciprocity. Doing without expecting anything in return. When the festive feeling is in the air, it is so much easier to open your heart, why fight the feeling? Instead of running around like a hapless chicken on the days leading up to Christmas, it would do us all good to take a tiny step in the direction less taken. For when you allow yourself to experience the joy of giving, there is very little that can compare to the satisfaction. When we wish each other a Merry Christmas, we are wishing love and joy to that individual which is symbolic to the reason of the season.
Instead of stressing out and going through ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, worried about how well your preparations externally are going, pay heed to the internal cleansing that is required. For a long time ago, on a cold winter’s night, a babe was born in a manger, the babe who is the reason for the season who lived to love and gave of himself. Let’s put the Christ back in Christmas in our own little human ways.
- Charlene Farrell is a counselling psychologist who works extensively with children and adolescents. She also counsels and works with individuals of all ages. Emotional well-being, to her, is of utmost importance to a fruitful existence
