There are so many holy days and holidays during this season - Hanukkah (which fell during Thanksgiving this year due to the lunar calendar), Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, to name the ones I know of right off the bat.
This is a time to celebrate the return of the light and the Light, miracles, and those intangible things like love, life, friendship and family. Yet somehow we have translated it into a materialistic time of year. Shopping on Thanksgiving, Black Friday fights over things, really folks?
To date this season I have watched Rudolph, The Christmas Angel, The Christmas Box, A Muppet's Christmas Carol, and The Christmas Child, and they have all had the same message - love for thy fellow man - and redemption.
When I said something about the materialism of Christmas to my daughter, she told me a phrase for giving gifts - not only during the holidays, but for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions as well - that fits. Something I want, something I need, something I'll wear, something I'll read. The want and the need can be experiences rather than things. Time spent together, forgiveness, redemption. Emotional connection rather than material goods.
Now don't get me wrong - I like giving and receiving gifts as much as the next person. However, time spent with family and friends making memories to last through the years is much more valuable to me, especially as I get older and need less things in my life.
So, take the time out from the hurry and scurry, the bustle and worry and really look your loved ones in the eyes, give them hugs, and enjoy their company - they are what really matter in the big scheme of things, not that new gadget or toy or piece of clothing that will be forgotten by the turn of the next season.
Until next time, namaste!
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