The Spirit of Giving
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Ah- the holiday season and the commercial feeding frenzy it brings! Only the masochistic or addicted shopper would enter a mall at this late a date. There is no sale grand enough to get me through those revolving doors. I come from a long line of people who hate to shop, but love to surprise. It was once explained to me that my responsibilities as a “giver” during the season began as soon as I quit believing in Santa.
Children should be indulged during the “Wonder Years”
At one Unitarian church I went to (more full of atheists than not) there was one lady who just could not believe that I allowed my kids to buy into the Santa Myth. She viewed it as a lie, and had very militantly informed her kids (ages 6 and 8 ) that there was no such person. I have heard similar tales from the hyper religious who think Jesus is the “Reason for the Season”, and I told her so. She explained that she was afraid they would discover the “lie” and be angry when they figured out that it was the parents doing all the buying. I felt very sorry for her kids. For them it was too late.
Children will eventually figure out who brings the toys…what happens next is up to you.
This is not the path to take. These are the wonder years! Kids want and deserve a bit of magic in their lives, so their emerging sense of reason can have something to transition from.
Santa wouldn’t come to this house anyhow…the cookies have been eaten by the cat!
With my own kids, I have answered their questions about the existence of Santa honestly enough, telling them bits of the stories of the kindly”Saint” who gave his own money to the poor. The ridiculous stop-motion Rankin Bass specials with Rudolph and Frosty are in no way indicative of anything but fun- those things can’t be real. But the spirit of giving, that is a real and true thing. Saint Nick- or Santa Claus- is the personification of this.
We encourage Santa to remember our furry friends and family also.
So rather than be angry and disappointed when they were old enough to figure out who really left their gifts under the tree, my kids were allowed in on the secret: Once they are old (and responsible) enough to know who Santa is, they become Santa themselves. They get more involved with the joy of giving to their younger friends and family, and preserving the magic until they too are old enough to appreciate why we keep the legend alive.
Children will enjoy sharing more with their neighbors and give generously if they feel the same has been done for them.
Let’s face it, social responsibility and the caring for others in a non-egocentric way coincides with the age when kids normally quit believing on their own. Give your children a higher purpose in the scheme of things and the disappointment morphs into appreciation and empowerment.
As Santa you can create gifts unavailable in a store- like the zombie nutcrackers our daughter made for her brother (with help of course)
You know those presents your parents would never in a million years agree to get for you- but still wind up under the tree Christmas morning? Something- the spirit of giving- must have moved them to open their hearts or their checkbook. In that sense, Santa is real.
Those grizzled bikers bearing toys for tots could be spending their money on tattoos and loose women, but instead have found it in their hearts to give to needy kids. The people who no longer have or never had kids to buy for but still pick up gifts for the poor children; are they not Santa?
This is a time to celebrate the love and generosity of our fellow creatures, and bring happiness to those who may have none. It is a time to create beauty and magic for those who still believe the world is always a good place. If you no longer believe that, then it is a time for you to do your part in making it a better one.
all photos by Morgan Williams 2008-2010
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It’s so festive with all the decorations that it will destroy any scrooge tendencies that may linger. Beautiful!
Far cry from the childhood of the Aluminum Christmas tree with the 3 colored revolving light that was partially melted.
I like Mr. Lawyer’s observation… so I’ll ditto it.
The first Spirit of the season is always the grog I put into the eggnog. And then, Spirits just appear naturally and commune with all good hearts around.
Merry Happy to Mother Hen and her brood. Have fun. Be well. Watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Very nice. Well put. That’s the pep talk I need. You’re like a football coach, at half time when we’re down by three touchdowns. “Now quit being a bunch of self-absorbed pussies and get out the and be selfless. Do it for the team, damn it,” coach yells, throwing his clip board across the locker room, dashing it to pieces against the concrete wall. The team goes wild, hooting in approval.
I sooo want to come and wander through your house! This is a wonderful post and full of the holiday spirit.
And the UUs are the best for hosting interesting lecture and musical events!
I am into the Unitarian thing. It is good camaraderie and some very interesting lectures. Jesus is rarely ever mentioned except in the following context:
Jesus did a lot then he died.
Beautiful post again by the way MH
The joke at the Unitarian congregation I belong to is the only time Jesus is emphasized is when someone slams his hand in the bathroom door…
My UU Community Church in Santa Monica is the same. On Dec. 24th they have a candle-light service with great readings from sages across the globe & a terrific choir with guest solos. Very small church, but lots of talent. The capital of Hollywood has-beens & even newcomers, some of whom believe ‘deeds, not creeds.’ It’s always a great night for this Godless liberal.
Your home looks so inviting and beautiful, wish I lived closer and I might come visit, if Krell let me in the door 🙂
I love to give out the gifts to see the faces, especially on my now neice and young nephews. The little one still believes in Santa, so Santa is dropping off stuff at her Unca Kent and Auntie J’s house, because he had no rooom this year to put them under the tree. I figure, what’s the harm, she’s going to know right quick anyway so she should be indulged for a little bit longer. Hell, I still try to believe in the fat man in a red suit.
Oh and not for nothing, cool little Nutcracker deal there. I have a couple of those moving Victorian carol singer things, I redressed in goth like clothes and made myself vampire Christmas things. What can I say, I was an only child and indulged by my older hippie ‘rental units.
He would totally let you in- especially if you had two big klipsch-shaped packages with you 🙂
Actually we just had our annual open house, and pretty much anyone I know who wont steal from me or jump on the furniture is allowed to tour through.
Giving presents is good.
As long as you get presents back.
Balance is everything.
But please, no more socks.
It’s not a true gift if reciprocation is expected, Robert.