Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?

I was talking to my friend today, the one I went to lunch with last week. In the course of the conversation he told me that his wife bought "a spray" at Trader Joes -- an evergreen swag-like thing for their door. I restrained myself from my usual tirade regarding wanting a Trader Joes out here and not having one, instead chuckling with him about the goyishness of having evergreen adorning their door. He laughed and said at least it wasn't a wreath, which led us to discuss the very tenuous relationship I've had for years with another friend of mine regarding the meaning of Christmas.

I've mentioned before how fundamental the spirit of Christmas is to me, how much I love the season and the spirit of giving it represents for me. Several years ago, my enthusiasm ran smack into my friend's decidedly unenthusiastic feelings about Christmas, when she told me flat out that as a Jewish person, she was offended by the implication that she should enjoy Christmas. To her, Christmas was about Christ and the obnoxious assumption that she was (of course) Christian. She saw no reason to get all excited this time of year, objected to people saying "Merry Christmas" and felt that trees, candy canes and gingerbread were all "symbols of Christian oppression." I couldn't have been more hurt at having my parade rained on and we used to fight bitterly over it -- everything from whether most Christmas symbols were really pagan to whether Christmas was really a secular holiday in the US. In time we came to a sort-of peace, but we never discuss it anymore...

In thinking on it, I know that Christmas means so much to so many people like me. Still, it gives me pause to see all the lights and feasts and toys and clothes... and I wonder why we only have one time of the year when it's so easy to smile at a stranger, stop and listen to carols, make time for get-togethers and dinners, exchange thoughts and gifts, and help the truly needy? Does it mean the rest of the year it isn't important? Of course not, but I think too many people forget that Christmas isn't just about glitter, lights, Santas, and wish lists. Christmas is the spirit of love and sharing and being together... a desire to put a smile on someone's face besides our own. You know, those things that matter throughout the whole year too but somehow get forgotten.



Everyone is really busy. I understand. But it's a constant prayer of mine that if someone sees a Christmas tree in any of their many comings and going with the names of children or seniors in need, that they might find it in their hearts to respond. There really are those out there who won't have any tree, no lights on the door, and no big Christmas dinner on the table. There really are those who struggle daily for a trip on the bus or a sweater on their shoulders...and it happens all year long. And for so many, all they want for Christmas is a visitor.

Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small
Was singing, without any presents at all
He hadn't stopped Christmas from coming, it came
Somehow or other, it came just the same

Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps means a little bit more.

When I consider Christmas, it's not just about kids getting presents that pricks at me, but rather I think about everyone who goes the whole year through without someone to think of them, care for them or ask how they're doing. It makes me ill to imagine the child that wakes up Christmas morning without a present. Everytime I watch the first Harry Potter movie with the girls, it humbles me to see the expression on Harry's face that first Christmas at Hogwarts. He wakes up to see a tree and his friend Ron waiting for him. Ron is wearing a handmade sweater from his mother, too big as usual, which Harry notices. Ron says "You've got one too," indicating under the tree. Harry's eyes go big with stunned wonder: "I've got presents..." In that one second Daniel Radcliffe captured perfectly what it might feel like to be a child who's never seen presents under the tree. Honestly, if every other person were willing to get one extra gift -- be it a doll, a bottle of hand lotion, a book, a blanket, a car, some blocks, or a pair of gloves... whatever... we could make such a difference in the lives of so many. My kids go went with us last week to Target and Borders to buy one thing off their wish lists and one book, after which we took them to the local Marine Corps Toys for Tots pickup site. Later this week we'll put together the gift bags for local seniors - I want them to learn that it's people of all ages that need a smile, a cheerful thought and a small something that lets them know someone cares they're here on Earth. Would that all children learned that the blessing of Christmas isn't in receiving..it's in giving and spending time with loved ones.

Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer.
Cheer to all Whos, far and near.
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp.
Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we.
Welcome Christmas, while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.

(with thanks to Dr. Seuss & Chuck Jones)