Christmas thoughts
Editorial
Stabroek News
December 25, 2004
A letter writer last week urged us to make someone happy for Christmas. He drew attention to the fact that while many will enjoy this holiday season there are those who would have lost loved ones through death or migration. He mentioned senior citizens in homes, people in hospital and in prison and children in need.
There is another group, families who cannot spend Christmas together because one or more members have to work. In today's issue, we have captured the thoughts of just a few of the thousands of Guyanese who will be at work on Christmas Day. None appeared resentful; each one was prepared, whether through duty or voluntarily, to give of their best. These are people, who though they are absent from the family table, are making someone happy, comfortable or safe for Christmas
Over the past week or so there have been countless Christmas parties held by different organisations and individuals at old folks' and children's homes and in communities. These children and seniors could have been forgotten as we all became caught up in preparing for Christmas with our families. But from the numbers of children and the elderly who were feted and given gifts, it was obvious that a lot of hard work and caring were involved in bringing off these parties. So whether Santa Claus turned up at these homes last night or not, these folks know they were remembered this Christmas.
Much is said each year about how commercialised Christmas has become. While this is true, how could we fail to also notice that Christmas, commercial enterprise or not, has transcended all faiths. Yes, Christmas is still a Christian holiday, but it is celebrated around the world by almost everyone. Granted, everyone might not buy the tree and trimmings, but Christmas giving is truly universal. And if it is the commercialisation that allows this, then it serves its purpose weary though we may be of the constant competition for our disposable income. There is no greater gift than giving and the joy that flows back to the giver, particularly when the gift is unexpected makes it that much more special.
Today, December 25, is officially the first day of the twelve days of Christmas. If it finds us world-weary then these next words, written by some wise person offer perspective:
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.
"If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
"If you woke up this morning with good health you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week..."