(Warning: Do not ask me to write about Christmas because then, I become a wailing wall of protestations.)
Every December, in whatever country where Christmas is widely celebrated, people seem to be riveted only on a super smorgasbord celebration of the year. This includes the obligatory frenetic buying of gifts, people prepping for countless Christmas parties – especially now that crowd restriction has been partially lifted – and indulging in endless festivities of food and drinks in an unabashed fashion.
Owing mainly to their fat year-end bonuses, people suddenly have extra money to spend, which then triggers a general loosening-up of purse strings. Don’t you feel it?
The sudden frenzy in the malls, more people in eateries, and businesses picking up at last.
But then, here’s another. One of my hijadas, who has a family of grown-up working kids, texted recently to remind me that I owe her a Christmas gift which she plans to pick up from my house. She does this every year. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t gift-giving during Christmas primarily for children only?
The problem with us in the Philippines is that we often take Christmas as an opportunity to exact some kind of token, disguised as “gifts” from our ninongs and ninangs, as if it were their obligation to give something. Just because it’s Christmas.
Some parents have wrongly conditioned their children to go to the houses of their godparents in order to get Christmas gifts. What’s worse is that, oftentimes, the parents get upset because their kids received a gift which is not expensive enough. Quite often, they push their kids to ask for cash, the latest in video games, cell phones, or the latest tech gadgets.
Don’t you get stressed with that kind of demeanor?
Maybe, we need to remember Corinthians 9:7 that says: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.
I would only give what I can afford, and that is, if I want to – at all, period.
In other parts of the world, children would not even be visiting their godparents unless requested to.
So, where is the real meaning of Christmas here? Where is the Christmas spirit, the essence of the Christmas festivity? Are we not celebrating the birth of that little Child in the manger? You know, the One who gave His life to save us, and also the One who will sit in judgment on all our sins and guilty pleasures?
Where is Jesus Christ in all these hullabaloos? Why do we give more attention to material things and physical satisfaction rather than feed the spiritual needs of our dreary souls? Isn’t it ironic that Santa Claus is more popular during this season?
I am not one to pontificate but, you see, Christmas to me is more about the inspiring and meaningful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a promise of a new beginning, a new birth. Christmas is my chance to be helpful and generous to others, who are needier than I am.
Now, I can spread goodwill and be cheerful to others, including those who have wronged me in the past. I can be more tolerant, more forgiving, more loving.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we were that kind of people? Multiply that by 365 days and we would have created a whole new world filled with love, happiness, and compassion.
Please, do not allow crass commercialism to have an upper hand this Christmas.
Spend time to reflect on what is really important in your life. Bond with your family and friends. Let the spirit of Christmas envelop you with peace and hope throughout the year.
Can this be done? You betcha it can! Let every day resound with goodness and cheer and let each day be December.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” – Corinthians 13:11
A blessed and happy Christmas to one and all! – NWI
