The season of joy and peace
Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, it is a season of the heart. External forces cannot dictate when and how one celebrates Christmas.
For some, Christmas is a religious tradition. They celebrate the birth of Jesus, following the timetable of events illustrated in the bible and holy scripture. Each week, when they attend church, they renew their focus on the real spirit of Christmas. What we consider the "commercial" trappings of Christmas are viewed from a different perspective. They decorate their houses with a tree and a nativity scene. Christmas lights have a deeper meaning, which overrides the excess of public displays. They are preparing to received Jesus into their loving hearts. Their generosity of spirit overflows and they celebrate the joyous season by gifting those they love.
For others, Christmas is celebrated without the religious overtones. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged as the season of loving and giving. Santa Claus is the focal point. Dear, jolly old St. Nick, who sneaks into homes and surprises the occupants with their hearts' desires. Houses are lit up to insure Santa will find his way. Wonderful parties and celebrations bring friends and neighbors together, and coworkers play "Secret Santa" for each other. Good will abounds as frenzied shopping sprees insure loved ones will have the best surprises under the tree, and the best Christmas ever, to store away in their memories.
Most work hard throughout the year to guarantee a good Christmas. When their children ask for something which exceeds the budget, they will say, "Ask Santa Claus," as if the merry old elf's over-indulgence is somehow more permissible. When they purchase a new home, the first question they might ask one another is, "Where will we put the Christmas tree?" Christmas is on minds all year long.
Can you fault businesses for doing the same thing? If you knew in a couple of months there would be thousands traipsing through your establishment, you would want to be prepared. You would want to get a "jump" on the season.
Years ago, it was tradition to put up the tree on Christmas eve. Over time, you do so earlier and earlier, in order to be prepared. Are businesses not mirroring your own anticipation and excitement? You complain, but you are no doubt out there, in the thick of it, wanting to have access to the best choices available to lavish generously on your loved ones.
In previous generations, gifts and food were homemade. Christmas was a year round endeavor, as it took time to prepare everything from scratch. The difference today is, one can see the preparations happening. You are not secretly knitting, sewing, canning, preserving, building and crafting our gifts and holiday accouterments. You can go shopping and select from myriad displays of ready made items to put together a memorable Christmas.
The methods of preparation may have changed, but the sentiments are the same. You are taking time from your busy life to celebrate your loved ones and your good fortune. You are apt to look around with a generous eye, and with a generous spirit ensure those less fortunate are also taken care of in this season of loving and giving. It is the time of year when "Peace on Earth" almost seems a possibility. You are filled with Christmas spirit.
Can this season of "Love and good will toward man" be too long? Can generosity be too commercial? Is the timing more important than the gift? Is love diminished by coming too soon and lasting too long? Will a gift purchased in October have less worthy intentions than one purchased on Christmas eve?
Christmas is a time for putting oneself aside and thinking of others. It is a season of love and generosity. If starting too early, or singing too much, or buying gifts with gusto is considered "commercial," then, perhaps everyone is not being commercial enough. The ideal would be to keep the Christmas spirit all year long.
Christmas is more than a date on the calendar, it is a season of the heart.
