A lovely piece. Thank you. But what has always struck me is that A Christmas Carol and even The Grinch, is that ultimately they are stories of redemption. That redemption is a real source of joy. Just like the joy in heaven at one sinner's repentance.
As an observant Christian, I'd like to say that that religious meaning is at the center of Christmas, but of course that's not really it for most people. Designating this time of year as Christmas seems to have been a deliberate attempt to superimpose religious significance on traditional pagan festivals that have always taken place around the solstice in Europe. Most people aren't celebrating the increasing length of days after the solstice either - it's just that everybody needs a break and it's a good excuse to gather and celebrate with family and friends. My personal key has been to not get too stressed out over trying to find the meaning behind everything or fabricate the perfect Christmas get-together - do stuff because you enjoy it, don't try to make yourself responsible for the happiness of everybody else.
Thank you Andrew,and Merry Christmas! Now that our kids are grown up and have their own,we both struggle trying to find our “Feel like Christmas!” I see it in Children’s eyes and smiles. My parents raised us boys going to church and Midnight Mass,I was an alter boy. I used to search for choirs at Christmas,my mother was a conductor. “Ave Maria” still brings me to tears,still feel the closest to the meaning,memories,my parents,my friends and family,baby Jesus. Time is so short
I loved this article. Though it did give me pause, having been published on The Line, a forum known for scathing (often deserved) critique of our public institutions and the people who occupy them. The manner in which this article explores questions of mortality, meaning and community stands in stark relief of the general tone of The Line’s journalistic thrust. Perhaps that’s the way it needs to be - unflinching critique punctuated by the odd human interest piece. But it made me wonder whether there’s a meeting ground, a place where serious journalistic inquiry serves to build and unite. I wonder what that would look like…
.... it would look like this forum. From what I see, the general tone of The Line is to remind The-Powers-That-Be about who put them there and why - John and Jane Doe - to maintain a decent well functioning society. The scathing, often deserved critique of our public institutions and the people who occupy them creates the necessary preconditions for building and uniting - which is a strong awareness of the needs for corrective actions and improvement. Participant here often propose remedies for faulty conditions. 100 cheers to The Line and Merry Christmas to all.
I think that the “magic of Christmas” has been surrendered to the Madison Avenue types who have captured a modest nativity scene and reinvented it with a Santa, Reindeer, stockings and getting anything you can wish for. As a consumer driven society, we have used our increasing standards of living to prop up this nonsense to the point of no return.
It’s hard to believe that I am just two generations removed from kids getting coal in a stocking. Today, young parents have nightmares trying to finance the substantial costs of trendy electronic devices for stocking stuffers.
I am well past the “easy years” of Christmas and have settled into a contentment of the Season by repurposing my expectations. I don’t need gifts, but like to contribute to a family get together with a beautiful meal, games and visiting. I try to remember those around us who have little, especially those with few family members nearby and the loneliness that comes with it. I love to listen to classical Christmas music that feature choral music, pipe organs and spectacular performances. (And loath that I don’t have the gifts to sing along.)
They say Christmas is for kids. Of course it is because the reason for the season was a baby born in a manger. Humble beginnings for a family that couldn’t find a place to stay. If we keep an eye on the modesty of the original Christmas story, we might be able to embrace it for ourselves.
Christmas can be a magical time for children while they are are still young enough to believe in magic. It becomes magical again for adults if lucky enough to share Christmas with their children or grandchildren. But for those without families, or whose lives have no joy or magic, or who have outlived or become distant from family, it becomes just another day. And a depressing one at that because so many others seem to "have the spirit."
So today, if you find your Christmas spirit is lagging, follow through with a plan to generate cheer at Christmastime. Even if you need to pretend cheerfulness. Get out more. Visit more. Decorate. Buy or make or cook or bake gifts - they don't need to be fancy or expensive - spread them around widely. Volunteer with groups that help the less fortunate. Donate dollars if you can't volunteer. If musical, join a choir. Meditate on or read about what happened 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Attend Church if inclined. You will be repaid in spirit!
It is a “brain vs heart” thing. When the heart wins out, the Christmas season seems actually magical. Which is why it works with children more than adults. Unless one is particularly religious. The latter is much more difficult these days compared to a century ago. In many ways that is too bad. Especially around this time of year, since there are two alternatives to that — a pure commercially driven Xmas or a complete shutting down all the Xmas noise by retreating inwards. Neither are great choices.
Wonderful piece. Thank you. And also for the nod to Alan Maitland and The Sheppard. A classic that I too listen to alone at night, but parked in my car. Because that is how I first heard it with my father (who's now gone) some 40ish years ago.
Die Hard is a Christmas movie because him and his wife represent children potentiality (they have 2 kids in the film but yes are not seen much, though a Mom/Wife in danger is a tale as old as time).
What do we celebrate at Christmas?
And why then, more than at any other time?
“For unto us a Child is born…”
A lovely piece. Thank you. But what has always struck me is that A Christmas Carol and even The Grinch, is that ultimately they are stories of redemption. That redemption is a real source of joy. Just like the joy in heaven at one sinner's repentance.
Beautiful piece. Thanks for this.
Fellow passengers to the grave. Much love and merry christmas
That is a sharp-needle poke reminder. A great deal of essence in just one line. And it made me laugh.
It's a great line. I re-read A Christmas Carol for the first time since I was in my 20s the other day. It's much better than I remember.
As an observant Christian, I'd like to say that that religious meaning is at the center of Christmas, but of course that's not really it for most people. Designating this time of year as Christmas seems to have been a deliberate attempt to superimpose religious significance on traditional pagan festivals that have always taken place around the solstice in Europe. Most people aren't celebrating the increasing length of days after the solstice either - it's just that everybody needs a break and it's a good excuse to gather and celebrate with family and friends. My personal key has been to not get too stressed out over trying to find the meaning behind everything or fabricate the perfect Christmas get-together - do stuff because you enjoy it, don't try to make yourself responsible for the happiness of everybody else.
Thank you Andrew,and Merry Christmas! Now that our kids are grown up and have their own,we both struggle trying to find our “Feel like Christmas!” I see it in Children’s eyes and smiles. My parents raised us boys going to church and Midnight Mass,I was an alter boy. I used to search for choirs at Christmas,my mother was a conductor. “Ave Maria” still brings me to tears,still feel the closest to the meaning,memories,my parents,my friends and family,baby Jesus. Time is so short
I loved this article. Though it did give me pause, having been published on The Line, a forum known for scathing (often deserved) critique of our public institutions and the people who occupy them. The manner in which this article explores questions of mortality, meaning and community stands in stark relief of the general tone of The Line’s journalistic thrust. Perhaps that’s the way it needs to be - unflinching critique punctuated by the odd human interest piece. But it made me wonder whether there’s a meeting ground, a place where serious journalistic inquiry serves to build and unite. I wonder what that would look like…
.... it would look like this forum. From what I see, the general tone of The Line is to remind The-Powers-That-Be about who put them there and why - John and Jane Doe - to maintain a decent well functioning society. The scathing, often deserved critique of our public institutions and the people who occupy them creates the necessary preconditions for building and uniting - which is a strong awareness of the needs for corrective actions and improvement. Participant here often propose remedies for faulty conditions. 100 cheers to The Line and Merry Christmas to all.
Great, timely opinion piece. Thanks.
I think that the “magic of Christmas” has been surrendered to the Madison Avenue types who have captured a modest nativity scene and reinvented it with a Santa, Reindeer, stockings and getting anything you can wish for. As a consumer driven society, we have used our increasing standards of living to prop up this nonsense to the point of no return.
It’s hard to believe that I am just two generations removed from kids getting coal in a stocking. Today, young parents have nightmares trying to finance the substantial costs of trendy electronic devices for stocking stuffers.
I am well past the “easy years” of Christmas and have settled into a contentment of the Season by repurposing my expectations. I don’t need gifts, but like to contribute to a family get together with a beautiful meal, games and visiting. I try to remember those around us who have little, especially those with few family members nearby and the loneliness that comes with it. I love to listen to classical Christmas music that feature choral music, pipe organs and spectacular performances. (And loath that I don’t have the gifts to sing along.)
They say Christmas is for kids. Of course it is because the reason for the season was a baby born in a manger. Humble beginnings for a family that couldn’t find a place to stay. If we keep an eye on the modesty of the original Christmas story, we might be able to embrace it for ourselves.
Merry Christmas everyone..,
Christmas can be a magical time for children while they are are still young enough to believe in magic. It becomes magical again for adults if lucky enough to share Christmas with their children or grandchildren. But for those without families, or whose lives have no joy or magic, or who have outlived or become distant from family, it becomes just another day. And a depressing one at that because so many others seem to "have the spirit."
So today, if you find your Christmas spirit is lagging, follow through with a plan to generate cheer at Christmastime. Even if you need to pretend cheerfulness. Get out more. Visit more. Decorate. Buy or make or cook or bake gifts - they don't need to be fancy or expensive - spread them around widely. Volunteer with groups that help the less fortunate. Donate dollars if you can't volunteer. If musical, join a choir. Meditate on or read about what happened 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Attend Church if inclined. You will be repaid in spirit!
Lovely
A home run!
Just wait for grandchildren and I am grateful for creative writers who use sort of made up words like Thematized.
Thank you Andrew, yet another great piece
Merry Christmas to everyone, and an equivalent sentiment for everyone of other backgrounds.
It is a “brain vs heart” thing. When the heart wins out, the Christmas season seems actually magical. Which is why it works with children more than adults. Unless one is particularly religious. The latter is much more difficult these days compared to a century ago. In many ways that is too bad. Especially around this time of year, since there are two alternatives to that — a pure commercially driven Xmas or a complete shutting down all the Xmas noise by retreating inwards. Neither are great choices.
Wonderful piece. Thank you. And also for the nod to Alan Maitland and The Sheppard. A classic that I too listen to alone at night, but parked in my car. Because that is how I first heard it with my father (who's now gone) some 40ish years ago.
Die Hard is a Christmas movie because him and his wife represent children potentiality (they have 2 kids in the film but yes are not seen much, though a Mom/Wife in danger is a tale as old as time).