Christmas is a difficult date for many. Not everyone is happy about it, despite all the parties and gatherings with family and friends. I understand the grief some people feel, as many sad memories, past or recent, resurface at this time of year.
Many factors can contribute to this sadness at Christmas and the most painful causes are the absence of loved ones who are no longer with us and the knowledge that so many people around the world are going through some sort of suffering – two impossible things to avoid.
The true joy of the Christian, the one which gives meaning to our festivities, which should motivate our celebration, is the fact of knowing that the famous baby we celebrate at Christmas rescued our eternal Happiness, that it is enough for us to voluntarily join this rescue, to be eligible. To adhere to it is about renewing life projects, committing ourselves to this faith, according to Christ's proposal, every day of the year.
It's amazing to see the optimism of non-Christian people and how enthusiastic they are at Christmas. They must be happy by nature, all reasons are good to celebrate; it’s interesting, it’s a great life potential which indirectly contributes to keeping the subject on the agenda. I don’t know if I would have this enthusiasm if it wasn’t something I believed in.
I observe that, believers or not, the happiest are those who get involved in the organization of festive meetings, whether they are rich or poor. Notice... those who plan and transform culinary recipes into delicious pleasures, those who cook, serve, organize entertainment... all, in short, who give of themselves, who have the task of making meetings more pleasant for all, these are the happiest. Of course, apart from the children, the most special ones.
Usually, I'm just a helper: I peel potatoes, I do the dishes. This part is essential, but less “intellectual”, let’s say 😄. On the other hand, I like to eat, I praise the dishes, I give feedback to those who prepared them... That counts too... hahaha.
I can't forget the decoration. I also participate in it. It's nice to have an environment decorated with festive motifs, isn't it? I think most people enjoy seeing the artwork put together for Christmas. From the simplest to the most sophisticated, yes, works of art. And it doesn’t have to be something expensive or new. There are some people who make something precious with very simple materials. My decorations are decades old. The mini-nativity scene is already quite old. Other accessories were added, little by little. After the feast of Epiphany, all the decorations are back in the box, waiting for the following year.
The remembrance of tradition, of stories – celebrating the route of humanity and the presence of Christ among us – I think is essential so that we can continue our “journey”. The teachings Jesus left us through Christian communities were and are important for civilization, even for those who do not believe in the Divinity of Jesus.
So Merry Christmas everyone!
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