Sigh...

[altivo]

At first I wasn't going to say anything, but as the day went on and I read more and more posts lamenting or complaining about not getting much or not getting the "right" things as Christmas gifts, I had to write this.

Folks, Christmas isn't about getting anything material. In fact, it isn't even about giving material gifts. When you start thinking that way, you have bought into the utter commercialization that retailers have forced onto us over the years.

The real Christmas, or whatever other midwinter holiday you celebrate, is about love. It's about sharing time and affection with friends and family, in whatever form you find possible. In some cases, that may only be phone calls or written messages, but even that is important because it expresses your heart. I've seen a few today who received only small token gifts and yet were overflowing with joy and happiness and sharing; I've seen others who complained bitterly about only receiving clothes or small items. That makes me sad.

Indeed, there have been many years in my life when I received little of material value at midwinter. I know, this happens. To the younger ones, it is painful but that's only because all the commercial pushiness has taught us to expect more. But the real painful thing that could happen at this time of year is that you feel unwanted, unloved, or just plain alone. With that I can sympathize. Complaining because no one was flush enough or generous enough to gift you with a new laptop or game console or MP3 player, however, is just plain selfish. Sorry, I can't help it, I will think less of you for that.

Barring great advances in medical science, I'm sure I'm well past the halfway point in my life now. The only thing I need is to feel cared for and wanted. The best gifts I received are intangible. My patient mate, our animals who all seem happy enough just to be here. My mare, who just let us interrupt her supper to make her stand while we cleaned her feet and put her boots back on, without complaining or fighting it. Those of you who are much younger than I am should think carefully. One of the greatest gifts you have yet is time. Time to do the things you want, even if you can't do them all right this minute. Time to grow and learn. Time to love and share.

Midwinter marks the passage of time. The sun has reached a stopping point, traveling as far south of the equator as it can, and will start to shift northward again. Spring will come again, the earth will thaw and new greenery will sprout. I should be able to see that again this year, and for that I'm thankful. Remember that any moment could be our last on earth with our friends and families. In that context, it seems to me that material possessions really have to take a place somewhere far down the list of our priorities.

With love and affection for all my friends, and sincere wishes that you will be happy in the coming year,
'Tivo

Comments

[lobowolf.livejournal.com]

My Christmas holiday is absolutely not about gifts. Honestly, anything I really want, I can buy myself..so really, it's just not about getting "stuff."

I really don't have any desire to go out and spend months buying people junk they don't want in the first place, because all it does is stress me out for two months..and likewise, others as well. So I tell everyone that I love them, but I'm just not going to be doing the gift thing and to please don't get me anything.

That said, there's nothing wrong with gifts if you find something really and truy special, but you shouldn't have to give every single person in you r family and everyone you know a gift...nor should it be about person A getting a really big gift and person B getting a small gift. The whole gift thing should be entirely optional, and the giver should not expect the givee to reciprocate.

It's too much..this celebration of life and the return of light, or if your Christian..the birth of Christ..it should be a simple appreciation of any of those things, not about "getting stuff."

:)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

And I'm not at all surprised that you are one of those who already understand. It's all about love. I'm glad I know you at least a little. :)

[animist.livejournal.com]

Well said. There's lots of things more important than "more stuff" in this life.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Indeed. But I knew you would already understand this. :)

[animist.livejournal.com]

Of course, it's easy for me to say that, since I can afford to buy what I want for myself. Perhaps I should not be so hard on our young friends who are in college or otherwise dependent on others for luxury items they can't afford.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

And I can't always afford what I'd like to get for others, let alone for myself. But that's really irrelevant. ;)

There are things in life that I feel we can legitimately complain about. This particular thing doesn't qualify in my opinion.

[animist.livejournal.com]

Watching "A Christmas Story" I certainly was nostalgic for the days when what I got for Christmas was so very important. Anymore, I am more concerned about the health and well being of myself and loved ones. Alas, aging teaches us to not take such things for granted.

[hartree.livejournal.com]

I don't think we can just lay that one on the retailers "forcing". It's tempting to put up a devil of some sort to blame our shortcomings on, as it was done literally in the dark ages. It's a bit simplistic, IMHO.

The people most responsible for shallow materialism are the ones in the mirror. There was thoughtless greed and coveting long before even the village market place, or Christmas, let alone chain stores or TV commercials.

But, in the main, I agree. It's been decades since I've thought of "What do I want for Christmas?" in terms of gifts, material items, or in fact, anything for "me".

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Well, I think the retail industry does prey upon the young and especially at this time of year. I used to think it was just the little kids who were negatively affected but more and more it looks as if the problem reaches right up into the twenties and sometimes beyond.

Yes, selfishness and avarice are old problems, much older than Christmas. But it also seems that this time of year is particularly prone to bring them out and emphasize them.

Those of us who are a little older usually have grown past that. :)

[hartree.livejournal.com]

Oh, I agree about the opportunistic pack of hounds mentality of the retail industry vis a vis the holiday season. When Christmas decorations go up in August in some stores, etc, etc. And we do pick up the drumbeat of what they are pushing. Especially children.

I think they are in some way a reflection of something within ourselves. They're more like a resonator in a way that focuses and amplifies outrageously the foibles we carry within us.

But, the main thing is we agree that we've in many ways lost touch with what this season could, and perhaps should be.

Regardless of the spiritual base one looks at this season through, we're completing another year.

The new year is a human construction, but it gives us a milestone that lets us close the books on the past year, reflect on the good things, and wish the best for the coming year.

It's a chance for renewal and new hope.

So, I raise a toast to you and all the other furries and indeed the whole world around us, that we may do well in the coming year and that our efforts will make the lives of others a bit easier and the world a bit better place.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*pours the cider* I'll join you in that one. :)

[darkhorseman.livejournal.com]

The gifts I got were ranging from whimsical to practical. Same as the ones I gave. Now as for the holiday as a whole you must admit we went above the call of duity

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Well, my words weren't directed at you in any case. There's nothing wrong with giving or receiving gifts, really. My objection is to those who complain about not getting enough or not getting the "right" things. You certainly didn't do anything of that sort. :)

[darkhorseman.livejournal.com]

I didnt take any offence to it. I tried to do the nice thing. For me I stopped celebrating the holiday years ago when the magic of my youth was gone and I saw the comercialism. Instead of good will people got even worse atitudes over the holidays and it just wasnt worth it. A moment of meditation was better for me. But the farm owner takes such joy in it I started celebrating again. Sadly this year his health is worse and he couldnt go all out like he had in the past.

[hgryphon.livejournal.com]

I'm neither disappointed or non-disappointed with my Christmas. I only posted because people were complaining about "only" getting seven presents.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

No, you've done all right. Even in previous years, when I'd have to agree that the "gifts" you received were a deliberate insult of some incomprehensible sort. *hugs* I hope you'll see more improvement next year in all things.

[hgryphon.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Tivo... Me too...

[quickcasey.livejournal.com]

Amen....Wait....Maybe that's not secular enough. Well said.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

No need to be secular about it unless you want to. ;)

[dongstyle-ltd.livejournal.com]

Pfft tell me about it (or don't have to bother, really). Thankfully, my family is one of those who appreciate this- not least aided by the fact that none of us have the energy, money or time to really lavish the frills upon each other: just enjoying company and the fast disappearing time we do have together, despite our differences, is all any of us could have asked for. This is why despite thinking maybe I ought to (in some kind of perverse LJ logic) make a post about this festive season, I feel like I just...can't do it (and therefore thank you for saying it). Seeing other people with their gift lists and complaining and whatnot is just too painful to watch.

On the flip side, I'm in an environment of strong Christians who are mounting the counter-offensive to this rampant commercial secularism- the basic byline being "It's not about Santa, it's about Jesus!" Whilst they might claim to be one step closer to the true meaning of Christmas, the whole to-and-fro has generally grated on my nerves and while it's not too much of a stretch just to enjoy the season like it should be, such major events are just another point of emphasis on the direction that society as a whole seems to be taking. I no longer look forward to such times for what they are as such will only generate expectations that are disappointed. It's much better to simply take things as they do come.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yep, I figured you'd be one of those who already understand. ;) Merry Christmas (though I know it's already past down there.)

My gift to you

[goldenstallion.livejournal.com]

Dear Rider,

I stand with arched neck and widespread wings, in our clearing out back in the woods, waiting. There is a big, red bow tied around my neck. I await my Rider with a gift. My heart soars for you and when you arrive, as you always do, with such grace and gentility, I bow and offer you the sky.

This is not a thing that happens for a particular day and yet, any excuse will do and Christmas is a good one.

I hoofpaw the grass and wish you joy and peace and my everlasting friendship, confirming it once again.

Imperator

Re: My gift to you

[altivo.livejournal.com]

And I come carrying oatmeal with apples and honey that we will share, seeking nuzzles or even well-deserved nippings. How could I possibly ask for more? The sky, the moon, the sun and stars... my heart takes flight on your great wings, and will never be the same again.

All the peace, love, and joy that I can offer is yours.

Rider

Re: My gift to you

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Do you know this equine sir?


*falls over giggling as it's a line sort of taken from an old Goon show episode*

Re: My gift to you

[altivo.livejournal.com]

He and I know each other pretty well, in fact. So there. ;P

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

When I was young I did like getting gifts, and I often think Christmas gift giving should focus on the kiddies. But when I grew up I treasured the fact that people would wish me a Merry Christmas, that they remembered and cared enough about me to do so ^.^ The only thing I do quite like at christmas is having at least one thing that's nice to eat ^.^

*sits beside your fridge looking hopeful and all kitten eyes*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*looks in fridge* There's some shrimp left in here, and some ham. I don't think you'd like the "cream" because it's fat free, but there are still lots of cookies.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

*Ewws at the prawns but looks happier at the sound of ham and cookies*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I agree about the shrimp. They're nothing but bugs and I can't see the point, but my mate and his family love the things. I like fish, but prefer the Kosher kinds: the ones with scales and fins.