"Christmas? You're Kidding!"

The last Sunday in November I went to church and we lit one of the advent candles. It was still November and we were doing that. Then that night we had our "town-wide" Christmas gathering. And it was still November!!!!

Why are we in such a rush to get Christmas here? Do we want it over and done with, or do we want the money that holiday shopping brings in? I would suspect it is probably the latter. But does this stretching out of the Christmas season increase our holiday spirit? I don't think so.

Number one - Christmas is a season that needs cold weather, and here in the South where I live it isn't cold yet. I'm not saying we have to have a "white" Christmas but a little frost would be appropriate. And I like to have a fire going to help celebrate the season. We are still using our air conditioning some.

Number two - My wife's birthday is early in December and we like to celebrate her without bringing in the Season's wishes. Now with every home decorated and lights lining the streets, the push for Christmas is on and birthdays get lost in the hustle and bustle.

Number three - My granddaughter thinks Santa Claus is creepy. Genna, who is four years old, does not like anybody dressed up in a costume, and that includes Santa Claus. For a month or more now every time we go to Wal-Mart or some other store like that we have to avoid the "magical" Santa Claus life size dolls that sing and dance. Just so you don't think it is only Santa, she doesn't want to go to Disney World either. The thought of those costumed characters coming up to her is a no-no. 

Number four - Certain stores have banned the Salvation Army bell ringers. This is good and bad. I am a person who "runs to the store" a hundred times a day and sometimes I don't have extra cash with me or I am just not in a giving mood. One look at the person ringing the bell and I feel guilty - and I don't like guilt. I feel like wearing a badge that says, "I already gave." With the season starting in November I will be guilty more than I will be jolly for a longer period of time unless I go to the stores where the bell ringing has been banned, and that makes me feel guilty just writing that sentence.

Number five - What about the religious significance of the season. Aren't we supposed to be celebrating a religious event? With gift buying and card sending and Christmas partying it seems the religious aspects of the season get a little less each year. Some churches even cancel Christmas services if the Day falls on Sunday. Better for the family to be at home and celebrating, they say. Pardon me, I don't quite understand the logic in that one.

Actually despite all that I have stated I am ready for Christmas to get here. My oldest son is bringing his girlfriend home with him for the holidays and my youngest son and his family are all coming too. My wife already has the house decorated, so in spite of the warmth of the weather and the too many "events" taking place I am beginning to feel some Christmas spirit in my bones.

Maybe this year we can have a Christmas that is just about family and Christ's birth. There will still be plenty of gifts but the act of being together will be the greatest gift of all.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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