It can be easy to get frustrated at the endless advertisements and marketing campaigns that bombard us over the Christmas period. I am from England, where the religious element of Christmas has very little meaning or focus for most people any more neither. These types of reasons and others can therefore leave some questioning the real meaning of Christmas and whether it is all really “worth” it.
I have come to realize though, that whether we agree or disagree with the motives and reality of what Christmas has become, it is going to happen regardless, and thus resisting or deriding it, doesn't do me or anyone else any good. By all means it’s fine to point out your misgivings over Christmas to others at an opportune moment, as you may help them to see something they haven’t considered before, but becoming a “scrooge” for the entire Christmas period and removing yourself from the festivities in a show of protest, I don’t see as the best way of approaching the issue.
Like any gathering of people, it is an opportunity to connect and share and learn from each other, especially family members that you may not have seen for a while. If you are interested in Personal/Spiritual growth then Christmas time provides a wonderful opportunity for you to grow and also to help others in that process. You and others may have changed a lot since you last saw each other and reconnecting can provide great insights into how people’s choices and actions affect their lives.
The traditional religious message helps in this process, as the “season of goodwill” mindset is adopted and embraced by many during this period. I notice people become more friendly and helpful and talkative around Christmas. Strangers holding a door open for me or being let out at a junction while driving seem to be more frequent occurrences during the Christmas period.
This more open and sharing vibe that runs through most of us at this time, is therefore helpful in the process of talking to others about their lives and important things that are going on for them.
This is why I have come to see Christmas as more of an opportunity rather than something to find fault with. It can act as a sort of “kick-start” for people towards positive change in their lives.
Whatever the origins of Christmas, it instills community, sharing and compassion for others at a time in which most of us have a short break from our daily routine and a real opportunity to think about our lives and where we are going in a more profound and helpful way.
Best wishes to you for Christmas and the New Year ahead.
Jack