Let me state at the outset that my love of Christmas has nothing to do with religion. My views on religion are clearly stated in my books, Waking God: The Trilogy. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00A1PVF80&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_88dpybB9GT2X8
This is not say that I don't like the "spirituality" that Christmas represents. In fact, that's a big part of what I like. Keep in mind that Christmas was really a pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice and the returning of the light. It was co-opted by the Christians.
I grew up in a blue collar family and money was often an issue. However, my childhood was happy and somehow my Christmas' were great. Always got that one big present that that made the day despite family financial constraints. Guess being the youngest of five had its privileges.
I lived in a neighborhood that had lots of kids of varied ages. It was fun. The holidays brought snow forts and snowball ball fights, sledding, indoor game playing, and just an overall good time. Christmas day involved dinner at Nana's where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins converged for more presents, good food, and overall mayhem.
Colored lights and Santas where everywhere, shopping in Boston was usually an interesting experience, and Christmas music displays, and TV shows were in abundance. In the teen years there was the hunt for the "perfect" gift for the latest girlfriend, and there were also times of sadness if there was a breakup and the cold and darkness of the time of year seemed never ending. The trip home for the holidays from college was a welcomed respite from the rigors of finals and a time to re-connect with family and friends. Christmas was not always a time of comfort and joy, but it was always a time remembered.
Christmas in later years when the kids were young was a time to go broke, in a positive way, and we continued with old traditions of family gatherings. Sure, we bought into the consumer culture and bought the newest and latest for the kids. It was fun and it made me feel happy. And that's the bottom line: Christmas makes me happy, nostalgic, and I still get as excited as I did when younger.
All of the spiritual reasons aside, the joy and warmth of Christmas is simply a brief moment on the calendar that I will always cherish.
Blessing of Peace, Love, and Light to ALL people everywhere this holiday season-May the joy be with you.
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