I’m just going to get right down to it. It seems to me as if the holiday season has become less a time of remembrance and rejuvenation and more about excess. More spending, more festivities and more giving. Oh please! I’m just sayin’, we’ve become caught up in a frenzy of buying and giving—and not only is it costly and exhausting, but quite frankly, it’s also downright mood-altering. The massive crowds, all the unnecessary pushing and shoving. The dreaded baby strollers—and let’s not forget about that chick giving you the evil eye while rubbernecking with her hands on her hips because you beat her to that last Xbox III there on the shelf! Do we really want our children to think that the holiest time of the year has been reduced to receiving their favorite toy?—I mean, really!
First of all, our greatest gifts needn’t be material ones. Of course, I realize that exchanging gifts is a token of love. I know it’s a ritual we use to acknowledge the fondness and connection we feel for each other (although I really could have done without that herbal garden chia pet, thank you very much!). But after everything is said and done, aren’t the memories created with friends, and joyous family traditions the things we cherish the most?
Anyway, as we approach what most people consider one of the busiest times of the year, let’s put a few things into perspective. This is a time that should be spent reflecting on all the blessings we have received throughout the year; focusing our attention and that of our children on a more whole-hearted commitment to the doctrine of harmony and peace as a way of life; being generous to those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves; strengthening or repairing the bonds we have with absent family members and distant friends; and concentrating on deepening our relationship with the Creator, and our respect for His creation.
Now, I know you’re probably saying, “That all sounds good, but what do I do when my six-year-old unwraps her present—and instead of receiving that Dancing Elmo her heart so desired, she sees a sterling silver crucifix? … I don’t know—hide? [laughing] I’m just kidding. I’m not suggesting that we abandon practices that have clearly become customs within the family. However, I am saying that as we move through life creating our own family traditions, we can consider embracing an ideal—and perhaps, putting it into practice throughout the year. Now wouldn’t that make the world a better place for all to live in? And what better gift could we possibly give our children, than the gift of love?
