Christmas Present

I don't like the modern version of Christmas.

It sounds good, doesn't it? A season of joy, goodwill, family and giving to the less fortunate among us. But the reality of Christmas these day is far, far different.

The non-profits use this season as a reason to ramp up appeals for money, sending out endless piles of sorrow-filled letters, complete with a convenient form and unstamped return envelope, so we can mail in our donations. But that's just the beginning: Once we send money, we are immediately added to a list to be hit up for more and more money via mail and e-mail. I am still getting appeals for funds from a group I donated to ONCE more than 20 years ago! I got something in the mail recently with the always-present form on which to check the amount I wanted to give, starting with $500 and decreasing to $100.

The Christmas shopping season, which previously began the day after Thanksgiving, now starts in August, when the first decorated trees begin to appear in stores.Television commercials breathlessly scream about the "lowest prices of the season," "doorbusters" and cars for lease for "only $699/month." And don't forget the search for "the perfect gift." Black Friday has now become Gray Thursday or even Gray November as the push to buy, buy, buy begins ever earlier each year.

Malls are insanely overcrowded as people push, shove and fight to get the hottest 'must have' toy or electronic gadget. People rush around mindlessly as they spend money they don't have on things others don't want or need, all in the name of Christmas. Recent videos showed throngs of crazed shoppers pushing, shoving and tripping others, with some people literally being knocked down and at risk of being trampled.

STOP the madness for a minute and think about this season. It isn't about finding "the perfect gift" or putting oneself into debt that will take months to pay off. It isn't about stressing our minds and bodies as we strive to host the perfect family gathering or prepare an unforgettable meal. Forget those happy family gatherings where everybody smiles and has a good time. Do you know families like that? I don't! Think about the real meaning behind Christmas. 

Besides, it's hard to get into a celebratory mood when this year has brought still more mass murder by gun-toting men, when the Congress remains firmly in the grip of the NRA and therefore refuses to do anything about the increasing gun violence in our country, and when the country itself is ruled by a mentally ill man-child more interested in his golf game than in addressing the problems facing America. Let's not forget the Republican-led attacks on our wildlife and wild places, all in the name of greed. There is absolutely nothing to celebrate.

Once upon a time, when I was a child, Christmas was about spending time with the family. It was about watching the kids' faces light up on Christmas morning. It was about going to church as a family. It was about surprising family members with something they'd been wanting, and not going into debt to do so. It was about sharing with those less fortunate. My family, in addition to donating to church, also always sent a check to the children's shoe fund sponsored by the local newspaper.

Black Friday shoppers have less control than this herd of stampeding wildebeest..

One doesn't have to be religious or Christian to celebrate the meaning of this season. But somehow I think pushing, shoving, shooting someone and going into debt as we search for "the perfect gift" or the "must-have' item is not what this season should be about.

 
My Christmas celebration gets smaller each year. I have given my artificial tree to my daughter and son-in-law, along with nearly all the lights and many decorations and other holiday items. I will donate to my favorite charities, as I do every year, but not to those that bombard me with incessant demands for money. I will do a small amount of holiday baking, and if the opportunity presents itself, pay for groceries for someone in line at the store. 

Don't be one of the herd this holiday season. Slow down. Be kind. Be patient. Be generous with your time and your resources, no matter how limited. Volunteer your time. Spend time and spend holiday spirit rather than spending so much money. 

Go see the neighborhood Christmas lights. In Albuquerque, you can visit the River of Lights at the zoo and be awed by the magical creatures and plants created of colorful lights. Don't be another member of the herd rushing around mindlessly.