Let me start of by saying that for a long time Christmas was my favorite holiday. I looked forward to it more than any other day of the year, because it meant Santa Claus, presents, big family dinners, and school vacation. I have gotten to the point now however, where I'm just sick of the whole thing. Christmas has become too commercialized, the meaning has been completely twisted.
I've been thinking a lot lately about my future and what kinds of things I want to do. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I'm about as far away from having kids as anyone could be, but I've often thought about how I'd like to raise them. In the last few weeks my thoughts have turned to how I want to celebrate Christmas with them, and I decided that the status quo just isn't going to work. When I stepped back and looked at the things that I really loved about Christmas, I realized that it had nothing to do with receiving presents. To be honest, I probably couldn't name more than one or two things I received last year. I did realize though, that I LOVE giving gifts to other people, especially when I feel like they really appreciate it. I know the old saying "It's better to give than receive" is cliched these days, but it's true.
My ideal Christmas time would be different than most. I want my kids to grow up as givers, people who have a deep conscience and a strong desire to give a helping hand when someone needs it. Things like working at the soup kitchen or giving a hand up to the less fortunate is what I believe is the true spirit of Christmas. Currently the "spirit" of Christmas for most people means racking their brain to figure out what useless gift they can give to someone who already has it all. Please don't think I'm taking a "Holier than though" stance on this, as I'm just as guilty as anyone, I've asked for and been given many things that I simply didn't need just because I could. I grew up though and I'm a simple man, I've never been greedy for money, in fact when I dream of being rich it's always about the cool charitable stuff I could do with all that money. As awesome as it would be to be a pro athlete or celebrity, the coolest part would be making a sick kids day when you visit them in the hospital or donating a whole bunch of money in scholarship to underprivileged students. Maybe it makes me different, but I don't dream of having a garage full of cars or a huge mansion.
I know I've rambled a bit, but my disappointment in what Christmas has turned into has been rolling around in my head for a while. Christmas time is about spreading holiday cheer and helping out the less fortunate. Unfortunately it's turned into a month long contest to see who can buy the coolest new merchandise for the cheapest amount of money. Well I'm done with it, I'd rather do something to make a memorable Christmas for even 1 person, than buy presents for 100 people who won't even remember it a week later.
Maybe I'm just weird though, I've always seen myself like Hermie from the Rudolph movie. "Why am I such a misfit? I am not just a nitwit. I just don't fit in" But this time, I don't think I want to fit in.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Remember, follow me on twitter @joshviola19 and keep your eyes out for my next blog entry...an end of the year "awards" column.
-Josh
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