Erm sorry - don’t know what came over me there with that last message.
I’ll try to give this subject a serious response as I see I’ve touched a raw nerve - I can see now I can’t treat this subject too flippantly.
What I should have said was this. I feel that the truth of what this midwinter festival should be has been swamped in a mire of sentimental BS and materialism. In my country and I suspect in most of the developed world Christmas is about spend spend spend with a few carols and a nativity play or two thrown in to make people feel less guilty about it all. Anything genuine about the Christian aspects of the festival is lost in all of that. If you’re ok with what Christmas has become then fine. I don’t agree that it’s fine.
Now jump on me again unless you mean what you say about love and understanding.
Gerry, are you sure your name isn’t really Charlie Brown? But you’re right, we can all use a reminder about what the season is really about.
"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid … And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord.”
“And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.”
“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”- Linus Van Pelt
Not erm, but I totally agree with you, Gerry, that that is what the mid-winter holiday has become for way too many, but not that it has become that for all.
I’m not OK with that either, but I find it much more positive to continue to spread love and good cheer, more by action than words, throughout the year.
It makes a very effective argument, does get noticed and appreciated, even emulated, and is the best gift we can give each other… keeping the spirit of love and generosity in our hearts at all times… this season, by any of it’s names, is a fine time for intensifying that, as more people are in need during the colder months in colder climates, and due to the colendar manipulation, more have time to get together and ward off the cold and dark in family gatherings (not that that actually is what happens in some, LOL!).
I guess I do understand your frustration with the ‘popular’ notions that pile up at this time, but I suppose I’ve learned to look past them and deal with it in my way, not “their’s”. I’m just not going to get Scroogy about it. (that was not an acusation, an I’m not preachin’ to you, just giving my own view, for what it’s worth.)
Beautifully said Anniemcu - I realise I’m in the realms of sentimentality with that. I’ll try to be more positive about all of this. And guess what - it’s just started to snow outside!!!
Oooh… snow… We had a white Thanksgiving (Another US holiday of questionable practice but much potential), and we now just have a cold Christmakwanzrammannukahsolstice… good thing to have a wood stove… Thanks for your gracious response!
sniff