On this day, - November 20th, comes the first snowfall in dear magical Sackville.
And with this, upon coinciding with Midnight Madness - a night of shopping and friendly gallantry - we are pleasantly reminded that Christmas is just around the corner.
For some this means going home to family, for others it may mean the first Christmas of independance. Some celebrate with new babies, or new spouses. Some find it to be just another day, because they have no one to spend it with, or not enough money to share gifts.
It is for those I wish a happy Christmas to. The people who struggle each day to find food or a social connection with another need the magic of Christmas the most. It is for them that the holiday began, after all. Christ's birth was to provide for "the least of these" - and our sharing of wealth on the day of celebration should be in good spirits, not in spite; it should be friendly and not competitive. It should remind us all that we lead meaningful lives of equal value - or inspire those who never knew.
I live a comfortable life, even as a university student, because I was born into a family which not only was able to financially provide for my life and my education but because my family supports one another. I am so lucky to have people around me to challenge me and love me and support me.
Then, I remind myself it is selfish to harvest this love without giving it away. That is the toughest part. Fear of rejection, attachment, and pride get in the way and produce a shyness which does no one any good. I wish to challenge that fear this holiday season. I also - more importantly - challenge others to stand up against the fear in their path this Christmas. Not because every day isn't a good enough reason - but Christmas becomes a time when people slow down just a little bit, and begin to remember their humanity for just a second.
Love Actually says "Christmas is all around, and the feeling grows." Love is actually everywhere, and it is at Christmas that North America and other parts in celebration have some sort of communal understanding of the spirit in the air.
Why do we lose this awareness the rest of the time we are among each other? Is it too much of a burden for the 364 "real" days of the year? Does it get in the way of our lives?
In my opinion it is our "real" lives that get in the way of the Christmas feeling of warmth, companionship, and understanding which is possible all year long. In the understanding of Christmas we come to understand the feeling of Peace. In the recollection of family memories we come to be comforted by our privilege and joyfulness shared.
In this time of the year, I try to remember - and I urge anyone reading this to as well - to think of those less fortunate to have a support network of loving people. Try to remember the ones for whom Christmas can't come alive in a moment of hope, joy, peace, and love. Give something of yourself this upcoming month, and even year. Be a storyteller - be a friend - be a hand to hold for someone that needs it.
I don't want stuff this Christmas, my room(s) are too messy as it is. I don't need things other than rent, food, tuition - because that's my career I'm lucky enough to have. I wish many more the possibility to have this life in the future. Give wisely. Think critically about Christmas - it's not meant for the wealthy to remain wealthy. It's a humbling time of community when done right. It's for the poor to feel wealthy. It's for the poor to feel cared for.
Live carefully. Love all. Hope for a Peaceful day for the Earth.
Happy Christmas. <3
