Being December, I thought it appropriate to talk about Christmas this month, ‘tis the season and all that. It seems like Christmas gets earlier and earlier with each year passing. I was shocked to hear recently of Christmas carols being played in September. Yes, that’s right, September! So much for the twelve days, it’s now become four months.
We hear the Scrooge’s complaining about how Christmas has just become a commercial event with each store vying for our dollar and I believe – to an extent – this is true. It’s all about the gifts and has lost some of the true magic of the day. However, I’m sure it’s not lost altogether.
I come from a large family, the youngest of six siblings so our Christmas’s have always been quite the event. We would all gather at one person’s house (ideally rotated around the family) as early as possible. Presents would be added to the tree until it was swamped and all the kids would hurry everyone until they were ready. Then, one by one the gifts were given out by an elected ‘santa’s helper’. We would all watch as the lucky recipient carefully unfolded the wrapping. The look on their face usually told all, whether that be shock, confusion, or like they had just won the jackpot. Then the next gift would be presented and it started all over again.
By lunchtime, the true chaos of the day would start. Nieces and nephews would run around with excitement, parents would be split into two teams (one group on the BBQ, the other in the kitchen), and various hangers-on would be lending a hand wherever needed. It would all culminate in a traditional lunch spread outside under a shady tree.
In the afternoon, everyone would disburse. Fathers either fell asleep on the lounge or helped put together toys. Mothers would play board games after attempting to tidy up and kids of every age would be playing with their new cool things (like Walkman’s and Atari games). Whatever everyone was doing, they were sure to do it together.
By dinnertime, nobody would be hungry. All the leftovers would have to wait as everyone had filled up on chocolate covered peanuts, pretzels, lollies, and pudding. The families would retreat to their respective homes and promise to see each other the next day – Boxing Day – to do the whole thing all over again (sans presents of course).
These days, most of the kids have grown up and our family is spread right across three states. We don’t catch up nearly as often as we should, however we will always have the memories of those magical Christmases and start on making new traditions.
To keep the spirit of the season alive, I encourage everyone to remember one of the most important aspects of the day – kindness. Don’t just get caught up in the crowded shopping centres, long lines, and endless list of errands. Take a moment to remember those less fortunate.
Give a child you don’t know, and will never meet, the chance to open a gift on Christmas morning. Teach a teenager who is old enough to know what is going on that strangers can be kind. Give a lonely adult a nice surprise so they too can remember what Christmas is about. I guarantee, the present you place underneath the Wishing Tree will be the most rewarding one you have ever given.
Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you have a safe and joyous festive season. May 2011 be the best year ever.