Christmas, being one of the most heavily commercialized worldwide, is the one in which we usually get our priorities most skewed. This, mind you, isn’t meant to bash or derail anyone for enjoying the season and partaking in some of the typical festive traditions. However, if you have in the past wrestled a pensioner to the ground for the last royal charcoal sweater vest at a Christmas blow-out sale, you have much to be ashamed of indeed.
The thing about Christmas is that it’s a melange of traditions and folklore from around the world, mostly centred on two main figures, Jesus and St. Nicholas, who possess qualities that we’ve found inspiring and wish to celebrate. But thanks to overhyped viral consumerism, Christmas today involves a frenzy of exaggerated spending, eating, decorating and partying. Now while these may be great for those involved, it’s an especially harsh reminder for the ones who are less fortunate, that for whatever reason, they are unable to enjoy themselves as much as the rest of us.
In the red, green and yellow haze of pepper lights, our vision often gets a little blurred, and it’s not because of your Aunty Bernadette’s overproof fruit cake that should come with an ‘eat responsibly’ label. It’s because we get spirited away in the excitement created by advertisers and store owners, becoming overwhelmed by the expectations to please our loved ones. There’s nothing wrong with that – necessarily. However, it doesn’t honour the heart of the season; a celebration of generosity, kindness and fellowship. Indeed, the promise of Christmas.
So while you plan your Christmas dinners, deck the halls and plot your party routes, it is important for you to take a moment to sit quietly amid the commercial flurry. Think about your own life and personal values; how you display each on a daily basis, your own challenges and how you have or plan to overcome them. Remember the people who have helped you and who continue to be a positive force in your life. Then, spend a few minutes reflecting on how you can help someone else to overcome their own challenges and enjoy the season, much like you would. I can personally promise that you’ll enjoy the holidays even more, knowing you’ve brought some meaning and hope to another person’s life.
There is a woman in my community who suffers from a mental disorder, rendering her unable to work and properly provide for her children. Her already small home has become dilapidated over several years. She stands on the street seeking donations to repair her roof so that her children can at least have a comfortable place to sleep during this cold period. Suddenly, my little brother doesn’t really need another Play Station game; I know where my money is going this Christmas. Sorry, kid. I’m also going to ask the people who might normally buy me gifts, to donate whatever mony they would’ve spent on me, to the lady’s roof repair.
My family will enjoy my company as they always have and this year I may even agree to help with the dreaded Christmas cleaning crusade, for which Caribbean mothers are known. I get to avoid the danger of being crushed, stampeded, or otherwise physically violated in a crowd of sweaty, coupon-wielding, bargain-crazed shoppers during this year’s winter sales, and. Most importantly, a woman who is unable to provide for herself and her children, will receive a little dignity and warmth.
Now everyone doesn’t have to forego gift giving (I’ve always been a terrible shopper anyway), but we all know of someone who is down on their luck. And this doesn’t have to involve money. In fact, most of the ways you can help a person don’t require you to spend much money at all. There is so much that your time, attention and kindness can do for a person in need.
Perhaps it’s someone you’ve never met or spoken to. It takes just a little bit of thought and attention to realise that there’s someone you drive or walk past every morning, sleeping in a cardboard box. Perhaps there’s an elderly person living alone who might like a little bit of company one afternoon, or a disabled person in your neighbourhood who may need some help around the house. Perhaps there’s a school, or care centre in your community badly in need of repair. And if you can’t think of anyone – you totally can though – ask your local church, social outreach group, or even constituency representatives to identify a person or group who needs your help.
How much we give doesn’t matter, as much as the act of making a little room under our trees for the less fortunate and encouraging others to as well. Not only is this important for the growth and health of our communities, but with a little bit of thought, it can be embarrassingly simple and inexpensive. You can even pool your friend circle and ask everyone to contribute to the nearest children’s home or elderly care facility.
If you have children, you’re probably planning to spoil them yet again with more electronics and toys this year. Why not ask them to donate one of their old toys in order to receive something new? It’s a great way of inspiring altruism and reminding them to appreciate the value of kindness and caring for those who don’t have as much as they do. You can also volunteer the household to help at a community outreach programme for a day. This may also be done with your group of friends, who can be a key resource in helping you spread joy and warmth this season.