Happy Christmas - NOT 4 SOME*
I've had enough of Christmas already! Consumerism being advertised at an unHoly pace, in every window - presents for people that they don't need, surplus decorations that cost a fortune, the list goes on and on. It's all too hard this year. Where the Hell has the meaning of Christmas gone? To top it all off, many among us are expected to sit down and eat a previously terrified slaughtered dead Turkey inserted with Pistachio stuffing where its delicate kidneys used to thrive. No. Thanks.
Most christmases I go along with the Hoopla but this year the amount of 'others' out there truly struggling and suffering to get by has meant that Christmas is taking on a new twist. Maybe there's someone who needs that extra present or Time more than we do. I wonder what our kids are learning from our Christmas antics. Love thy Neighbour and All that Jazz. Yea, Right.
Hey, where's all the money gone to buy presents anyway? The Big End of Town where The Winner Takes All. On the High Street, are we being SOLD Christmas food and junk that's Deadly? Big Brother stalks every shop we enter. Cash is King. Or was it?
I remember my parents used to collect a hamper of food and presents for a gypsy woman who called to our house a few times a year when I lived in Ireland. The gypsy lady arrived on a horse and cart in the early days. This was common practice and a number of our neighbours also gave away food and clothes. My mother would leave the lovely hamper inside the front door and await Bridget's arrival. I can still see Bridget's eyes shining with delight and how grateful she was to my mother for care and generosity given, with no thought of a sing-song or reward. Bridget knew how to receive well, and my parents knew how to give. The. Spirit. Of. Christmas.
My friend George and I, well we kinda disagree on the above to an extent. He tells me that creation is perfect and Gaia will sort out everything on our last day Hereafter. We are the makers of our own destiny. I've told him that's all fine and dandy in theory but inequality is hard to witness on a Cold Christmas Eve. Each of us CAN hugely affect the outcome for another in the smallest of ways through Tenderness, Listening and Connection. I don't always get there either, but hey we try!
My gorgeous husband has just spent six weeks (a few hours each day) in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in hospital. He is nearing the end of treatment so our family can enjoy this time of year together. He's like a Cat with Nine Lives, I Swear!
One of my Facebook friends shared a post yesterday about the Wayside Chapel, King's Cross, in Sydney where the religious head man has done an incredible job, humbly serving his street, and addicted, friends. I read his biography years ago. It's a Brilliant Book.
There are tons of religions and non-religions out there. This Blog is not about any religious persuasion or otherwise, it's about care for each other and the Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the person. I don't see people as being from a specific ethnic group or religion anymore. I take each person as I find them.
I hope the Best of Everything finds its way to you and yours this Christmas. Lots of us have more than we need. It's worth thinking about, and taking Action.
Nollaig Shona dhaoibh,
Hunter
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Have you created something Special for a Stranger at Christmas? Tell me about it at www.hunterksmith.com and thanks for reading my Blog.
*The Views expressed by Hunter K. Smith in this fictional blog or in any other form or media are based on her own interpretation of 15 years' science and medicine research including The 26 Year China Study and Forks Over Knives DVD. They are personal views only. Please consult a Nutritionally Qualified Doctor, Dentist or Vet for advice and before using (or ingesting) any food, drink, plant, nutrient or natural recipe remedy, on humans and/or animals. Thank You.