Xmas Traditions and Christianity

It's a good thing no one really reads this blog because I'm probably going to say some things to upset some people but... that's life on the internet.


This morning the local fire department came past our house, like they do every year, with their Santa Claus. It's one of the things about living in the suburbs that makes me not miss life in New York City. It's sweet. I don't have children but the little kid inside me smiles big whenever they come past here and I know the kids next door are thrilled. It's these little heart warming traditions that Christmas is supposed to be about. Not the gifts or the glitzy stores or the pricey toys. It has become commercialized to the point of excess. It saddens me.

I married a Jewish man. So I have learned a bit about Jewish traditions. Not much, mind you. But some. And even though he is not religious by any stretch and his brother's family is only moderately religious, I am touched by their traditions. I think it's important that even though his brother does spoil his children, they still light the Hanukkah candles and sing the Hanunkkah prayer every night. It emphasizes the real reason they are celebrating - not just because of presents and chocolates.

It's made me think about my own Catholic upbringing and Christmas. Growing up, my dad, a deeply Catholic man, stressed going to Christmas mass and the Virgin birth and celebrating the birth of Jesus. We had a tree and I believed in Santa Claus and I got modest gifts. But the idea that the holiday was connected to a Christian event was something that was always stressed in my house. Of course, over the years, I've gotten away from that, lapsed Catholic that I am. But I'm glad that I grew up with a sense of Christmas as something other than a greedfest.

I think if modern day Catholics and other Christians want their religions to thrive and their children to have a sense of reverence, they need to do at least what my father did or... maybe they need to take a lesson from our friends, the Jews. If you notice, they have prayer as a part of every holiday they celebrate. How many Christians you know say a prayer before unwrapping gifts? Or light a candle for baby Jesus the night before instead of going to bed dreaming of Xboxes and diamond necklaces? I'm not saying I plan to do any of these things. I want to be honest and say I'm a lapsed Catholic and I probably will not return to my faith as it was when I was growing up. It is my choice. I'm an adult. BUT, for those of you who do still follow your faith - I watch you complaining about dwindling congregations and kids who don't care and I say you need to take a look inside and see why this is. Traditions are important. Instilling future generations with a sense of awe and wonder and reverence for their faith is something that has to come before bright lights, new Nike's or the latest blast 'em and crash 'em video game. If you're getting lost in the greedfest, you are only contributing to the demise of your faith.

I know I'm preaching and I'm not even a "follower" but maybe I'm a watcher and this morning, when Santa came down my street not even bearing presents, it's the most Christmas spirit I've felt in a while. It's the little things. The representations of kindness and humanity that matter. And I just wanted to put that out there.

Progress!

Well, I came on here to blog about something else but saw my last post and must comment on it. I have gotten quite a lot of that list done!! The garage is fairly tidy now. The basement is now painted white and tidy and is a nice gym area!!! It was  LOT of work but I'm much happier now going down there and things are more organized! The clothing situation and the kitchen are not quite done but I will get to that too. :) Yay me!