As long as I can remember, I always had mixed emotions about
the Holiday season…
Parts of me LOVE it!!!!
I love the lights… the decorations… the music… I use to decorate
extensively but not so much anymore… this too has been minimalized… And I love
it even more... there is just a subtle hint of the Holidays in my home!
As a kid, I also loved the gifts… and I still do… but I prefer
non material gifts… stuff I can
do/eat/use up… but gifts are gifts and
when well chosen I still appreciate all of them!
Now, the ugly… I also hate that time of the year… and I have
not mentioned that to too many people… so I am really opening up with this post…
As a kid, my parents used to do the Christmas tree the first
weekend of December… on a Saturday night when my brother and I were sleeping…
they would put it up in the living room… reserved for the visit… and all the
month of December opened to us too… The
Sunday when the tree would be up my brother and I would spend extensive period of
time just lying there on the carpet in front of the tree looking at each ornaments…
and I would do so over and over until it came down… now this may look cute from
the outside… but from the inside… it was not just cute… because there was not
only lovely thoughts in that little brain of mine… I remember getting really sad and crying(
when I was alone)… and over the years, the reasons why I would burst into tears would change… but I can’t get away from it… and as I get older, Christmas actually makes
me more sad year after year… as I see
more things… become more aware of the people around me, I can’t help but notice
the misery…
So here’s my list of reason for being sad at Christmas
1)
Kids who would not have gifts
2)
War
3)
Kids who had sick grandparents
4)
Kids who had dead grandparents
5)
Kids who would not have as much gifts as other
kids
6)
People who were left alone and/or did not have
homes
Now some more mature reasons
1)
Suffering
2)
Injustice
3)
Homeless people
4)
Inequality
5)
War
6)
The fact that is has become a race to the
biggest gift
7)
Parents with a sick/missing kids
8)
Spouse alone for the first time in years
9)
New orphans – no matter the age
10)
People away from their loved ones and unable to
get to them
And I could go on and on… I can’t help thinking about that… of course I still enjoy it… because I am lucky to not be directly in any of those situations… but the compassionate me hurts… I can’t help thinking about all those people who are suffering and for who that time of the year serve nothing but make them feel even more miserable! For the last few years, I have started doing random acts of kindness as of my birthday late November to the Holidays… it helps a little… but I wish I could do more!!!
love&peace,
nath
xox
www.thissavvylife.blogspot.com
I understand. I have felt the same way just about all of my life. Growing up I experienced good holidays seasons, but they still seemed so empty and contrived. Both the religious side and secular side of the holiday. I think our society is brainwashed about Christmas and I now cringe when I see stores getting ready for it in August and September. I always think of the people who are going through sorrow and loss, and are unable to indulge in gift giving, or mega holiday meals and parties. The part that gets me most is how after January 2, the hype is gone until the end of the next Summer. Forced commercialism then turns to focus on the next contrived day...Valentine's.
ReplyDeleteIt has become more meaningful to spend quality time with my family and friends at this time of year and make that time stretch out over the next 11 months :-) This the season 365 days a year to be gracious and thoughtful.
Elena,
Deleteso happy to see that hits post resonate with others.... I was really opening up and I was afraid on how it would be received... thanks for understanding and sharing you feelings!!!
Making a financial donation makes me feel better, I can understand how you feel.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea... But where I am located, so much of your financial donation doesn't get where it should it drivese nuts... Maybe I should investigate more different organism for next year... Love your suggestion! Tks
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