Christmas Thought
This entry was posted on 12/23/2009 12:00 PM and is filed under In the MUD.
Christmas Thought
This year has been full of loss and change for many people. Record numbers in unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies have changed the economical landscape of the world. Despite this, the pressure is on to buy gifts and to celebrate the holidays with gusto!
It all makes me wonder. Are we disconnected and clueless or are we looking for something that hasn't changed and we can control? Tradition doesn't usually mean change.
Tradition may be the key to happiness and financial safety through the holidays. As long as your favorite tradition isn't buying your spouse a new car every year. I know what I'm about to say is not that innovative and it may sound anti-capitalist but who cares. Some will say that this may hurt the economy more. I believe we are the economy and if we have more money after the holidays the stores that need survive will. The rest are probably heading for bankruptcy already.
What if all adults did not exchange gifts? We only buy for children to help keep the Santa story alive and for teens so they can make it through the brutal years of peer pressure. The adults save the rest of the money and have low cost gatherings full of their family and friend's traditions. Bring old photographs, share movies and recipes etc. How about, gathering all your loved ones and having a "Volunteer Day" to help people really in need? Do all the things that make us feel good about the season. Just no purchased gifts! Think about all the new traditions that could be made while honoring the old ones.
We have started doing this but I have to admit it is a hard change for some of our loved ones to commit to. I think some of them probably think we are just being cheap or we are really broke. LOL! After all buying gifts for everyone is a tradition.
I feel truly blessed this Christmas with all that I have despite the losses. My Z, family and friends all make life beautiful, joyful and keep the spirit of the season alive! Even if I don't get a Snuggie!
Happy Holidays!
Peace & Love, G
The Poor Man's Christmas
Mistletoe hang from the ceiling
And somehow it gets me to feeling
That the Season of Christmas is here
A time of enjoyment and cheer.
At Christmas most people feel fine
And generally have a good time
On turkey and pudding they dine
And wash it all down with red wine.
The old man spends Christmas alone
A cold, dreary shack for a home
His sole comfort on Christmas Night
A solitary candle-light.
In Christmas there isn't much cheer
If you haven't the price of a beer
With scarce little money to spend
And no one you can call a friend.
Christmas bring this man no joy
It always seem to pass him by
To this man each day is the same
He care not if Christmas never came.
This poor man unhealthy and weak
Has to live on one hundred and eighty dollars a week
Has to struggle for to make ends meet
To buy shoes, clothes and enough food for to eat.
He looks to the coming New Year
In hopeless dejection and fear,
Fear that the harsh Winter cold
Will take toll on one frail and old.
Francis Duggan 
