Christmas Future
If we are going to save Christmas we Christians are going to have to set aside the idea that non-Christians want to have a secular holiday based on a sacred holiday that somebody actually just made up.
The non-Christians are going to have to get past being offended if someone puts up a Merry Christmas sign. Everyone is going to have to get over themselves and celebrate what they believe.
There are two solutions to the issue. One is to switch to a neutral Happy Holidays. That lets you get everyone on one sign. Another solution is to have a sign out for Christmas, Chaanica or whatever anyone is celebrating. Personally, I understand Christians saying to a retailer, “you want me to come into your store and buy millions of gifts for a holiday and you won’t acknowledge what it is?” That’s crap.
If Arabs come up with a world-wide holiday where they buy a couple billion dollars in stuff to give to each other I promise I won’t sue you for acknowledging the name of it in your advertising.
Still, Christians are going to have to lighten up. No one objects to Santa Claus. They are threatened by baby Jesus, I guess. We aren’t wining any converts by shaming the pansies that won’t stand up against terrorists. We won’t quit waving the cross around for fear of being blown up but they don’t get that. So don’t shop where they don’t celebrate Christmas. Wear a big, red sweater that says Merry Christmas on it. Go caroling.
The Real Spirit of Christmas
So what am I saying? What does Christmas look like if it’s sacred to some and secular to others?
The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving. If you are secular than it’s having a bearded, omniscient being in a red suit keep track of your every move and then give you a reward based on your behavior. If you’re a Christian it’s a benevolent God who’s willing to give His only son to people who don’t deserve it. The common thread is giving.
We should be thinking about Christmas all year long. When we see something that we know someone would love we could buy it and put it away for Christmas. The problem is that the people you buy it for will buy it too. So if you don’t wait till the last minute you’ll probably have to take it back. Then we all rush around at the last minute and its hell, so we are resentful, etc.
When it comes to kids there is no way around putting yourself in debt on stuff they don’t need. With adults we have a couple options. Something you made yourself will always be good even if it’s just a poem. A coupon for a back rub might be appreciates. Or you might take a person out and spend time doing something you both enjoy. The most important thing is to sit down together at a meal and ketch up on things. Don’t just drop presents off. A family tradition is also important. Maybe it’s going to get the tree or caroling. Maybe it’s drinking eggnog and watching a movie.
Real Holidays last for a few weeks. As much as I can’t stand the way Christmas is crowding out Thanksgiving it’s because of the crass commercialism of it. Giving and thanking shouldn’t just be on a couple days. Visit people you don’t get to see much. Drop a line or a card to people. Bake cookies and invite people over for game night. The biggest gifts you can give each other are time, unconditional love and acceptance. The worst is money.
