This year, less people seem to have been inclined to embrace the C’mas-word or the X’mas-word, whatever you prefer. Nobody in their right mind would be reluctant to make the most of time off work and a change of routine. But for all sorts of reasons, it is becoming a time of year when people are doing things their way.
I am going to attempt a summary of the different friends, workmates, neighbours and relatives who made it clear that they were not onboard many customs of this time of year:
NOT RELIGIOUS – so, I have always know that some people celebrate C’mas even though they are not churchgoers, and some of them call themselves atheists. It’s not something I ever thought about until one of my workmates said this year that it was because they don’t believe that they don’t want have anything to do with C’mas because they feel that would be hypocritical. I asked them what they were intending to do over the holidays, and they said it would be like any other day to them.
RELIGIOUS – so, I have always know that a lot of the customs around C’mas have nothing to do with Jesus or the Bible. But one of our friends explained recently how the in some cases exorbitant commercial retail madness and activities like over-drinking are not in harmony with the way Jesus lived or his teachings. They also showed us that the scriptures emphasize the significance of Jesus current role as the appointed King who will restore all Adam lost and how pivotal his death as a human was to provide mankind with a hope. What was really interesting to me was learning that it was God’s enemy who used a star to guide astrologers first to murderous Herod and then to baby Jesus. God later warned them to leave.
NOT CLOSE TO FAMILY – so, I always knew that this could be a stressful time of year for some people. If you are close to your family – great. But if being with your family means arguments and hurt – then not so great. One of my workmates told me she dreads C’mas because of the problems in their family. Another workmate told me refuse to visit family as in previous years they ended up crying for days afterwards and starting the new year on a big low. Another workmate told me he is not welcome at their family celebrations because of his sexual orientation. Another workmate told me he has nobody – parents died when he was a child. He grew up with his grandparents, and now they have passed away too. He says the images of ideal families at this time of year make it a very tough time for him.
NOT COMMERCIAL – so, I always knew that the spending frenzy at this time of year is crazy. I have worked in retail. I know that in August we are already hearing from Head Office about the big plan for the silly season. One of my friends, who is really passionate about reducing waste, recycling, upcycling, and so much more said that she has tried to do a couple of plastic free years of gifting, but this year her partner and her were strictly not buying anything new. She told me they were giving away things they already had – and in some cases giving them a makeover by upcycling – and things they have grown themselves in their garden and made into chutneys or pickles. Pretty inspirational. I hate the pressure to spend money that you will still be paying off in June.
So…I wonder what this time of year will look like a hundred years from now? One thing I do like it the idea of sparkles and lights brightening up this dark cold time of year. There is a lot I could happily ditch. But I kind of need a bit of sparkle to cheer me up. How about you?
ZOE means LIFE 
It’s good of you to share some of the reasons people don’t celebrate Christmas Zoe. Our view has changed over the years. There is so much commercialism about it nowadays. In the past it felt more religious, less so now.
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