i AM scoundrel

December 24th, 2011

For most in the Western world, Christmas is a time when family gathers, drink eggnog , gobbles up dead animals, and devours presents neatly wrapped.

 

For others who are Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or even Atheist, this can be a lonely time where they are reminded that they don’t belong or they somehow don’t “fit” into the grand scheme of things.

 

I hear, constantly, that the Christians are being persecuted because they have to have a “holiday tree” or they can’t even say the word Christmas.  How they rage that, we, as the majority are being forced into softening the blow of Christmas so that we can be “tolerant” of those who don’t.

 

So put yourself into the shoes of others.

 

At this time of year they are given two days off (in Canada at least – it’s called Boxing day) and they have to constantly be inundated with bad Christmas music (see any holiday tunes by Christina Aguilera).

 

This drone that permeates their ears with a selfish, “Have a Merry Christmas” with no consideration that they may celebrate Hanukkah or Eid or the Winter Solstice, or even the very beautiful celebration of Diwali (The Hindu festival of Lights).  Malls that have trees lit up and Christmas crafts in schools must take it’s toll and remind them they’re not really Canadian (or American).

 

I bet they’re thinking, “There’s not enough Lions to go around.”

 

Today I said Merry Christmas to someone and then had to apologise because I assumed he would celebrate it.  He was very gracious and said that he didn’t celebrate it but he appreciated my apology because he doesn’t often get that.

 

What went through my mind was how arrogant I was to assume that he had the same history, same faith, and same holiday schedule as I.

 

I think we need to remember that not everyone likes and or wants Christmas in their lives.  That it keeps them out of the circle, that they are excluded from the mass of the people.

 

Yes, yes, and yes, we are in a predominately Christian society and that this continent was founded on those principles but those who don’t celebrate the vaunted Christmas season are still valued members and, hell, they’re the ones who will drive the cabs (and are probably Doctor’s in thier former country)because we drink too much and keep the convenience stores open so we can buy our smokes.

 

I would ask this, that before you get pissed that you hear you have to say “Happy Holidays” at your kids school, or subdue your urge to yell Merry Christmas, think of those that are forced to be a part of it, even though they don’t celebrate it.

 

Much love and affection at this time of year and to whatever you celebrate remember this:  Christmas isn’t necessarily a time for Christians to honour Jesus Christ but a time to enjoy family and friends.  The older we get, it’s not about presents or a tree but of being together and a reminder that whatever circle we have created for ourselves; we are loved.

 

God bless us, everyone.

Posted in American, Canadian, Family, Friends, T.F.O. (Thoughts | 4 Comments »