Ah, it’s almost that time again. “The most wonderful time of the year”, and “hap, happiest season of all” claims the 1963 song. I truly believe Christmas was that magical back in the “good old days” when expectations were low and maximum joy was found surrounded by family for the big turkey, stuffing and fixins’, followed by a lump of delightful Christmas pudding and mincemeat pies with brandy sauce or custard, usually all home-made. Cards were sent by mail to family and friends we might not see often or at all during the year; small gifts came from the heart, not the wallet; bon bons (aka Christmas crackers) were cracked open to reveal a tissue crown (mandatory to wear!), and a riddle to keep you guessing; a glass of rum and eggnog or a tot of brandy were rare treats; songs were sung after dinner by tone-deaf family members emboldened by the cheap wine at dinner; and most often the ladies hand-washed the dishes, while the men smoked cigars – not anti-feminism, just familial bonding.
Our family festivities always lasted at least two days, before Boxing Day shopping became a frenzy for bargains on next year’s cards, wrapping paper and ornaments, and when commercial greed and materialism gradually ruptured the Christmas spirit. Fortunately, Santa and his elves still work hard at the North Pole, receive letters from children and poses for photos when he’s in town. Unfortunately, finding real chimneys has gotten tougher so that fairytale needed updating, but Rudolph and his helpers still appreciate the milk and cookies left for them by excited, sleepless children on Christmas Eve.
For years Christmas was my favourite time of all. When the actual meaning of “Christ’s Birthday” was the cause for celebration; when Carolers appeared at your door singing songs of hope and glory; when Christmas trees dripped with baubles and lights, tacky decorations were the norm, and “have a merry Christmas” was the standard politeness, not “happy holidays”, as “woke” or “politically correct” didn’t exist. Although Christmas is not celebrated by many cultures and religions, it is the most honorary Christian celebration and remains a joyous but often stressful time for many. It can also be the most depressing and sad time for those who have lost their loved ones if the songs and festivities of Christmas trigger fond and loving memories of family gatherings long past.
Family and friends gathering was the soul of Christmas; before cell phones destroyed the joy of personal interaction and chatting around the dinner table or the fire; before the distraction of sports on TV on Christmas Day; before it was less work to go to a restaurant for Christmas dinner or order in a pre-made one; before gift-giving became an outdated obligation rather than a pleasure; and before Christmas lost its meaning. My biggest hope is that we will preserve the spirit of Christmas and that its true meaning of joy to the world, peace on earth and goodwill toward all will continue throughout the year. Otherwise, bah humbug, but a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!
Dame in the Esplanade
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