You often hear it said that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas. I think it would be more accurate to say we have lost the true meaning of life. There are those people who become highly stressed over the holidays, succumb to depression, and allow the expectations of others to sink them into a state of misery, despite the fact that it is meant to be a time of joy. These same people exhale a huge sigh of relief when it is all over and the decorations have been put away, out of sight and out of mind, until next year.
Christmas is a made up holiday. It is our adult version of “Let’s pretend.” Let’s pretend that there is a Santa Claus. Let’s pretend that the giving of gifts, and the high cost of them, is actually worth the trouble we have gone to, in order to have a pile of them underneath the tree. Let’s pretend that stringing lights throughout our yard is not a waste of money, adding more light pollution and blocking out the naturally twinkling lights of the stars. Let’s pretend that all the fancy gift wrap is not a senseless waste of money and resources, adding to the ever burgeoning landfills.
Children can be good or bad. It really doesn’t matter. They will still receive far too many toys and be loaded up with sugary confections. They will be taught that playing this yearly game of pretend is vitally important. But, it is not. It is merely a game that most of the world has chosen to play.
Our ancient ancestors celebrated the Winter’s Solstice. This is real. This happens every year as the earth changes the direction of its travels, which will slowly lead us back to summer. One day, the traditions of Christmas will pass away, as all things eventually pass away. People may once again celebrate the miracles of life itself. They will learn that living in the moment, rather than for a made up holiday, is the best present of all. Presence is the present that the world needs.
