Letters from Linden
by JACK LINDEN
The holidays are upon us. It’s time we think their meanings. I say holidays because at this time of year, all three major Western religions have a holiday. The season in America is more associated with Christianity, but we must remember our brothers and sisters in the Jewish and Islamic faiths as well. Yes, they remember ours.
Most cities and towns have some sort of celebration that begins the season. My town is no different. We have the big Holiday Parade replete with marching bands, tractors with lights, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus riding on the biggest fire truck in the city. The town folk come out in great numbers and the culminating activity for the evening is the lighting of the town square’s tree. There are carols to be sung and good cheer abounds.
The following night is the holiday stroll, wth merchants open late and commemorative mugs sold, this year to raise funds for an organization. Once a mug was purchased, it was refilled with cocoa as often as wanted, free of charge. It made for a festive evening.
Some folks get angry or at least upset that we refer to the event as the Holiday Stroll and Holiday Parade. But, they are missing an opportunity to celebrate at least half of what this season has come to mean. Christmas, Yuletide, Nativity, Advent and other terms indicate the religious side of this season, but it is more than just religion.
The season has also become a time of families and neighborhoods coming together. Who can forget the words of the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas?” That song has brought a tear to many a service man or woman serving their country in a far off state or overseas. It brings out all the trappings of the season and reminds us of loved ones who we will miss.
The holidays are also a time of giving. Americans have probably taken the spending for gifts to obscene heights, but we believe in giving. We can change our giving habits if we just realize what the season is about. The gifts we give should represent the feelings we have for friends and family. It is this shared affection that makes the season one of togetherness. If we accept that premise, then the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping would also take on a new meaning. We would begin to buy the gift that carries the true message of giving.
The greatest part of the season is that we are more open in showing our love for each other. While we might not tell someone we care for them dearly, our gifts show our love. In many ways, we tend to hide our feelings of love and caring for others but often this season brings all of that out of us.
Yes, this is a joyous season for secular activities. We can show love and generosity that may just continue throughout the year. While some may say that there seems to be little about the religious or sacred, aren’t the feelings of love and caring the real meaning of the season? Isn’t showing love and caring the real way to bring joy to the world? Aren’t we all better for having done so?
