Meaningful Christmas

By: Joe Mauricio

 

With Christmas just around the corner, most people continue to make serious preparations for the Holiday. Judging from congested streets, packed parking lots, long lines of people in department stores, it seems that many of us still have a lot to finish before December 25.

All that hustle and bustle can come at a cost, the loss of enjoying what should be a holiday centered on family and friends. We can become so entangled in getting ready for Christmas that the day can [ass by without a happy moment.

Take a look around as you are out and about, doing Christmas shopping. Count the scowls versus smiles. Listen to the arguments about this or that, with none of the issues being serious enough to argue about.

Then stop, take a deep breath, and remember to find the “happy” in the holiday celebration. Maybe you can find it as a volunteer (with your family) ringing the bells for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Drive, or serving lunch for the underprivileged in some recognized shelters, or even bringing items for the homeless who are living in Chicago streets. Or teach your children a few items to donate to Toys for Tots (motorcyclists’ gift-giving parade).

Likewise, think about the gift you buy and make sure they carry a meaning. Sure, Uncle Don will spend for that gift card, but finding a book by his favorite author or a box of his favorite cigar will mean more to you both.

Better yet, collect a box full of food and enlist the whole family to help deliver it to a local pantry or at the Filipino community’s Rizal Center.

If you are a reclusive person, you may just sit in the quiet f winter night and let worries and stresses of the season ebb away. Find the peace of the season. It would not cost you anything, and it will make those shopping trips so much less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

Make your family Christmas celebration much meaningful more than just what’s in the wrapped boxes in the living room. Share stories of past holidays, remember those who are no longer with us, attend a church service together, things that will make it more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

For me, though it’s still cold outside, I still sit down in my favorite spot for my “reclusive solitude” and thank God for our good health and happiness this year.

Merry Christmas, Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

Thanksgiving/Christmas presentation by the Chanzon Duo (Chaz Patron & Edizon Dayao), thanking and wishing their supporters the merriest Holiday season, held Dec. 17th at the Lone Tree Manor.