Christmas isn’t at the mall.
Why? This is the question my friend asked me this past weekend. The intent behind it was simply why we all go to so much effort to do so much for so many at this time of year. Why do we forgo sleeping in to rush to the mall before everyone else? Why do we buy, bake, wrap and give so much to so many? This rush to get ready comes at a cost not only to our wallets but also sometimes to our own sanity.
I envy those who get their shopping done in August (and even those who finish in November). I cringe at Christmas in August at Costco and watch with keen admiration those planning ahead. I wait to be encompassed by the feeling of the season – “as shoppers rush home with their treasures.” Spending time shopping does not in any way mirror the feeling of the season that I hope to recreate. I am certain that the feeling of peace, love and simply being with friends and family cannot be purchased at a box store or ordered on the Internet no matter when you start preparing for the celebrations. In recent years I have observed a common theme of gift giving emerge in that everyone has what he or she needs and most of what he or she wants. What a fortunate world we live in.
Obviously, we all know that Christmas is not about the material possessions that are gifted and that not everyone has everything they need. The consistent call of all charitable organizations this year is that giving is down. Albertans have given more than most. In 2010, Albertans were at the top of the list for highest median donation amount in the country and more of us gave to charitable organizations than any other province. The Christmas season always has me thinking about those less fortunate. My thoughts take me again to the question why? Why are those less fortunate not the primary focus? I don’t know the answer, but I do know I can make this awareness happen in my life through conversation with my children and friends to ensure that we all remember to be thankful not only for what we have but what we can give.
When I was a child I underappreciated the preparation of the season that my parents did each year to make sure that I was awed repeatedly. This awe may have initially been generated by the gifts left under the tree but my most precious memories did not come Christmas morning. As an adult my most treasured memories include the stranger who sat at our dinner table because my mom couldn’t bear to have anyone spend Christmas alone and how my dad spent weeks ensuring that the Christmas light display would light up the entire neighbourhood and then delight as families came and drove slowly to admire his gift to them. These memories and how they have instilled the meaning of the Christmas season in me answer the question – Why? Don’t lose sight of your own memories and remember that creating new memories doesn’t start in a mall, but in your heart.
"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree." – Charlotte Carpenter
