Hark, What Light!

It's the darkest time of year and so time for the festivals of light.

As the days grew shorter our ancestors must have wondered if the sun was going away forever this time.  And so, by flint and candle and by torch, by oil lamps and blazing stars, they scratched some light from out of the dark and found a way to thank their creator for the light and earnestly pray for its return.

Nowhere in this historic equation was there ever the need for shopping.  Until now.

How did observing a religious holiday become so entwined with patriotism?  How did bankrupting ourselves on religious holidays to keep the ship of state sailing on through dark waters become mandatory?

We're trying to stave off a Depression, I do get that.  But the Holidays have to do with preventing depression of the spirit, not the pocket book.

I knew we were in for it this year when they started to play Christmas carols on our  local radio station -- before Halloween! this year.  Increasingly, the headlines on TV and in print implored folks to get out there and get themselves trampled trying to get bargains because it was the holidays!  And our economy, our very safety as a nation - depended on it.

Bah and humbug.

Love and faith, kindness and charity, a sense of wonder and gratitude - those are the components of everyone's Holidays at this darkest time of year.

So I wish you all a happy Holiday, and a blessed one, and a joyous time.  Put your wallets away. 

Bring laughter and charity, forgiveness and joy to the  table instead.  And tomorrow, the sun will stay a second longer.  And the next day, longer still.  You'll see.  Money has nothing to do with it.  This wealth, this warmth, this light lies in every heart.

I wish you all light and joy for all the year.  And tuck that money away or find someone who really needs it.  

The days will grow longer, the evenings will grow brighter, and so must we.  

Comments

[LadyDoc]

Excellent post!

[Maggie Robinson]

Amen, Edith! As I grow older, my needs are fewer. All I want to do is spend time with my family, and not just on holidays. Champagne optional.

A friend's husband just lost his university job. They have two young children, a mortgage, etc. They are but one of thousands---maybe millions--- who are facing a grim holiday, but still are luckier than most. Candles need to be lit and prayers prayed.

[Susan Sarah]

Edith, what a lovely blog about the true meaning of the holiday season. It was never intended to be about shopping and spending, though the holidays have become that to some extent.
Thanks for the reminder that the season of light is about giving, but not gifts -- and giving can take many different forms, the more sincere the better. I've pared my shopping lists down this year, and I'm hoping to show more appreciation with a little less luxury. ;)

Susan Sarah

[Janice]

I'm going in the other direction, actually. The big fun for me at Christmas is picking out presents for people I love, and it seems such an innocent pleasure to me that I refuse to knock it off. Nex year I may be broke, or they may be broke, or any or all of us may be dead & gone, so now is the time to indulge them with things they maybe wouldn't buy for themselves.

The sad part of Christmas for me is that many of the ones dearest to me are gone now and I can't buy presents for them anymore.

I don't forget about charities either; I favor the ones like the JINSA Holiday Appeal which helps military families, and the Louisiana SPCA, which did amazing work after Katrina.

[margaret]

Miss Daisy is a highly festive pooch! I think she thinks she's getting gifts on each day of Hanukah's and all 12 days of Christmas, too. That's the message I'm receving from her demeanor and her expression!

[Edith]

Ah, Margaret -you are a true dog reader.
Every day is a holiday for Our Daisy.
And I hope for you too!

[NinaP]

Wow, Edith! What a great reminder about the true reasons for Christmas. The economy has hit my family, immediate and extend, hard this year. We are opting for a family Christmas play (we always did this where we were kids) along with carols and poetry readings this year. I think it will be a kinder, gentler Christmas. One I will remember. Hugs to you, Edith. Nina.

[Janice]

Wow, is that Daisy Dog, the one you rescued? Shelooks as if she's ... er, eating extremely well. I once knew a dog who loved potato latkes and could not be trusted whatsoever when those were in season.

Or is Daisy perhaps (as Austen, I think it was, put it) "seized with the effects of matrimony"? She does have a kinda Mona Lisa smile there.

Wishing you and Daisy and all the Laytons a happy season.

[Edith]

Miss Daisy merely has big bones.
uhm.. with lotsa meat on them.
She's a fine figure of a dowager dog.

[MaryJoPutney]

Edith, this is SO spot on! Little gifties can be fun, but the celebration of warmth, light, and companionship is at the heart of the season. Blessed be to one and all--and let's celebrate the return of the son!

Mary Jo

[Linda Banche]

What a nice blog. As for buy-buy-buy this time of year, how can anyone believe that bankrupting themselves will help the economy? Be good to others, but also be good to yourself.

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