Today is the second to last day of the Santa visit. Tomorrow anticipation will climax as children around the world wait with anticipation, go to bed and find it hard to sleep, wonder what will happen over night. The magic of a man, in a red suit, now destined to bring toys, gifts and what has been packaged and materialized as “joy”. Is it really tho’?
I have seen people begging and pleading for people not to promise children they will get certain gifts from “Santa”. This set up is certainly not “joyful” for parents. Many people are trying to afford housing and food right now without the promise of astronomical gifts under a tree Christmas morning. Material Christmas has gotten out of hand.
I was reminded recently by a 97 year old man, the story of St. Nicholas, who gave gifts to those who could not afford to buy. He was not magic, nor was he a myth, he was a person who gave silently and in the quiet and, like Jesus, sure did not expect his good intentions would grow to be what it is in 2024.
Today as I meet a friend for a coffee and spend a little time in community, where two are gathered, knowing the spirit is with us. We will laugh, enjoy time together and eat something decadent. This, for me, is Christmas. I love the togetherness of this time. I am also growing is appreciation for the season as well.
Being seven-years sober, I have been on a journey to build back joy in celebrations. For many years it was a place for me to drink. I had trouble remembering Christmas without alcohol and now, this 8th Christmas without alcohol I am beginning to enjoy this time of year again.
Christmas is a materialistic, giving time of year. It is no longer solely a time of year for the Christian tradition. All religions celebrate some form of Christmas. I remember a customer telling me about “Chris-ma-ka” which is her family’s way of together for Hannakah and Christmas, being they had both religions in their home. I have watched while young children wearing a hijab gleefully shop for a Christmas present to donate to the mountain of toy or Salvation Army toy drive. We are all in this season together, whatever the choices we make.
That said, choose love and care. Take it to the limits instead of your credit card!
#breakingstibah 