Christmas in Perspective

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BayCityRickL

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The social and secular aspects of Christmas are so overwhelming, it always seems timely to consider the Christian or religious aspects.

I don’t like that the materialism is so prominent, and I’d like to “reform” Christmas in my own life, and in my family’s life, and perhaps even in my parish’s “life.” Any ideas? Anybody with me on this?
 
I second that…Christmas definantly needs to be reformed–well in the “real world” application of this Holiday. I’d love to see a real return to what the true meaning of the day is–not just another excuse to have stores push their products on us because, in their eyes, Christmas isn’t about Christ–it’s about profit. I think it’s so sad that Christmas has now become fair game for marketers. I find it highly offensive that these stores have no problem taking advantae of our holiday, but only in the monetary sense. Sure you’ll see Santa and Rudolph…but no Nativity scene. Sure you’ll get a warm greeting, but not Merry Christmas. Why? Because if they say Merry Christmas they “risk alienating” some shoppers because “Merry Christmas” is intolerant. Also, some families are in a constant battle with who can buy their children the nicer/more/or more expensive gifts on Christmas. All the time neglecting the real gift that the holiday brought us. Now I think we are all guilty of forgetting some aspect of this holiday…but it’s gotten out of control.

God Bless,

ps…excuse my rant
 
I read a very helpful book on this topic several years ago, but I can’t remember the name of it now! If I find it, I’ll post it. Until a few years ago, we spent every Christmas of our married life with my husband’s family. They are wonderful people, but their total focus is on outdoing each other with gifts, decorating, etc. Once, they even tried to talk us out of attending Christmas Mass so that we could get right to the opening of gifts! We decided to take more control of our celebration a few years ago. We decided to prepare them months in advance by sending a letter to everyone explaining our feelings and reasons behind certain changes we wanted to make. We included a copy of an article pertaining to the subject. We let them know that we needed more emphasis on the spiritual side of Christmas. We put a limit on the number of gifts given to our children: 1 per child from each family (very large extended family!). We told them if they wanted to buy more, to give the gifts to needy families. We brought about a gift exchange for the grown siblings and cousins: draw a name and put a limit on the amount spent for that gift. At home, we made sure that we put at least as much emphasis on Advent as we did on Christmas. We try to involve our children in charitable works, spiritual reading, etc. and to emphasize the true meaning of Christmas. Those changes have really made a difference in our family. Good luck!
 
I am 64 years old and have been trying to get away from the materialism and manipulation of Christmas all my adult life, but to little avail.

The closest I ever got was one year in the early 80’s my family spent about a week in the Florida Keys over Christmas. My children were young, we didn’t know anybody, and we spent most of our time enjoying each other’s company. We had taken a number of small gifts for the children and had fun watching them open them. We ate largely in family type restaurants that we quiet. We missed the hoopla and crowed schedule at home and it was great.

A widow cousin of mine took her children on a Caribbean cruise over Christmas and reported how nice it had been to get away from the uproar at home.

I sometimes think that I have some personality defect that makes me resent the Christmas season because everyone around me seems to like it so much.
 
I’ve always loved Christmas, but I am especially excited this year as it will be my first year as a full-fledged card-carrying member of the “hey I’m really a Catholic” club 😃 . I’m going to be in Church so much my knees are going to hurt. Thanks for getting me excited early!!! I’ve wanted all my life to be a real Catholic and feel comfortable going to all the Advent stuff but never really knew what to do or where to go and never felt completely at home and now I get to do it and it’s going to be the best Christmas ever! 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃 You guys are the best.
 
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