What's Left?
Some people we know have caused me to ponder, to wonder about something. They aren't Christians; they are very clear about that. They don't attend church and their children were not baptized. So there is consistency, and I applaud that. Neither are they Jewish, nor Muslim, nor Wiccan, Hindu, Sikh, Baha'i or any other form of religion. During the years that I was in seminary, they were visibly uncomfortable when we got together, as though they thought I might engage in prosletyzing. They never inquired about my studies and changed the subject whenever I spoke about what I was up to. Church, religion of any kind, is something they want no part of. Again, consistency.
We've exchanged Christmas gifts with them for some time and have always felt that they put a lot of thought into the gifts they chose for us.
They've announced, however, that they will no longer be giving us Christmas gifts. The reason? "We want to take the commercialism out of Christmas."
So what remains? I mean, if there is no theological underpinning to the holiday (which I completely understand), and the giving and receiving of gifts is ended, what is Christmas about for them? Take the Christ child out of Christmas. Take away the consumerism. What's left?
Comments
But while it’s reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, psychologists say that banning the gift exchange with loved ones is not the best solution. People who refuse to accept or exchange gifts during the holidays, these experts say, may be missing out on an important connection with family and friends.
“That doesn’t do a service to the relationship,” said Ellen J. Langer, a Harvard psychology professor. “If I don’t let you give me a gift, then I’m not encouraging you to think about me and think about things I like. I am preventing you from experiencing the joy of engaging in all those activities. You do people a disservice by not giving them the gift of giving.”Do your friends are actually missing out on the actual meaning of "gifting". Too bad....
That's easy: Christmas cookies. And eggnog. There's always eggnog.
Just kidding:)
I fall into the non-religous-but-into-Christmas camp. There's a warm fuzzy feeling I get from popping in my Johnny Mathis Christmas album (it ain't Christmas without Johnny in my family) and hanging out with loved ones. Something about the cool weather, the really short amount of daylight, the smell of pine.
But I'm probably a bad person to answer this question, because although I'm an athiest, I really like going to church. It's all very confusing.
Oh, and I get the taking the commercialism out of Christmas. My solution? I just made all of my gifts this year. So there is something about the giving and receiving...you don't have to go commercial to participate.
But to say that you are not taking advantage of this opportunity in order to take the consumerism out of the season seems a bit disingenuous. I guess I'd wait to see if, some other time during the year, these friends make the effort to present you with just the right token of their affection.
Finding the balance...
Greg
http://blog.greggriffey.net