EDITORIAL

Regain Christmas Spirit

Friday, December 19, 2003

The holiday season is upon us, and many folks are telling us they do not really have the Christmas spirit this year. 

Putting aside that the "Christmas spirit" has basically transformed from a religious celebration of the birth of Christ to a commercialised gift-giving event, the holiday season still remains a special time of the year for most people, young or old, Christian or non-Christian.

For youngsters, Christmas can provide some of childhood's most magical memories, with time off from school, new toys and the mythical wonder of Santa Claus. 

Aside from possible budgetary issues, Christmas offers many adults a welcome respite from their hectic work schedules, a guiltless chance to overindulge, and an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

Yet for many, the holiday season is one of the most dreaded and depressing times of the year, one that accentuates loneliness, poverty and the loss of loved ones. Because of modern society's portrayal of Christmas in glamorised television programmes and such, people seem to expect miracles to drop from heaven on the wings of angels during the holiday season, and they become resentful if they do not.

However, miracles can happen during Christmas, if only we help them to happen.

No matter what conditions a person finds themselves during this special time of year, the holiday season beckons to the good nature in us all. Maybe it is the solemn and nostalgic Christmas carols that warm us, or the greeting cards we get with hopeful messages like "peace on earth, goodwill toward men" and "joy to the world" that encourage us to smile and say "happy holidays" to complete strangers. 

The fact is that people in places that widely celebrate Christmas are generally nicer to one another during the holidays.

Since we already seem predisposed to acts of kindness during the season, we should try to hone that kindness in ways beyond just saying "Seasons Greetings" to our fellow inhabitants on earth.

Christmas is a time of giving, but sometimes it is not the gifts that are purchased at the store which mean the most; gifts of kindness are often remembered longer and cherished more.

Many among us even here in the Cayman Islands will struggle through next week with troubles like a shortage of money, sad memories or a lonely house. Many people here on work permits will celebrate Christmas far away from their homes and family. 

It is not difficult for us to think of ways that we all can help bring joy into the hearts of those around us who might need a little joy, especially this time of year. It could be as easy as an invitation to dinner, or to church, or to some other activity that would include those who have no where to go. 

Maybe we can make an affordable cash donation to allow a struggling family that Christmas ham, or some presents for the children.

It costs nothing, though, just to go out of our way a little bit to help someone with a punctured tyre, or to lend a hand to someone who's trying to carry one too many shopping bags, or to let someone with only one or two items at the grocery store ahead of us when we have a whole cartful, or to let someone into traffic when there is a long line of cars.

Such gestures, though seemingly small, can give both the giver and receiver a sense of elated brotherhood, and, no matter how religious a person might be, brotherhood is the true spirit of Christmas.

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