It’s the first day of Advent today, which means its the first day of the Christian year. Even when I felt very conflicted about Christianity (don’t worry, I’m still conflicted, only now just a little less so), I’d love the Christian calendar – I’m a total routine, cycle, any-repeating-pattern fanatic.
Every year, since Ryan and I have been together, we’ve moved a little more away from the secular holiday of Christmas. This year is no different. We are trying to eliminate the consumer nature of the holiday almost entirely. Walt will receive one gift from “Santa” and a book and toothbrush from us, but that’s it. That’s the plan anyway, I have a feeling I might slip up a bit before the end of the month and add some more things.
There’s been so much written and debated about Christmas that I’m sure that I have nothing new to add.
In short, I’m glad people celebrate something at this time of year, Christian or not. But I wish that stuff didn’t play such a large role because we have too much stuff and when we get more, we usually don’t get it from the right places or for the right reasons. While this movement away from stuff fits well into my secular community, it also fits with my Christian one too. I mean, in roughly five weeks, we’re about to celebrate the birth of someone who really hated stuff. And told us that we’d be happier, more loving people if we hated stuff too. But hate doesn’t really fit here, does it? Rather, it seems more like moving towards something else. Maybe moving towards calm dark nights and candles and songs and eggnog. And if that’s all that get accomplished this Christmas, I’ll be pretty satisfied. And tipsy – you know, from the eggnog.
Never really though about the awkward conversation that must’ve ensued when the Magi showed up…
Oh my, am I the first one to tell you about this, Joel? I had a really advanced Nativity scene when I was a child – egg nog and all!
So agree, more stuff is not the answer and not what I want to teach Kiyah. Time with family, happy lights, and eggnog for mom!!! (plus one toy not made in China or made of plastic)
First of all, Kendra, really no eggnog for Kiyah? She’s four. I’m sure she can handle her rum by now.
I was really inspired by your house and your management of kids’ stuff. Our place in Vancouver is slightly smaller than your townhouse and I’m adamant that it doesn’t look like a child exploded in here. Your house really balanced the child/adult decor very well – which to me means, more adult, less child. You know what a crush I have on your house too.
Good point on the rum, now I have something to ponder today… Oh and my house loves you too!
Somehow despite the same sandals and robe, never thought about Jesus as someone who hated stuff. If hate’s the wrong word, how about active nonchalance?
Oh, I disagree. I don’t think you leave your mark (myth or not) if you aren’t pretty pissed off about some type of status quo situation. I think the meek and mild aspect may be a bit overdone. “I’m so mad I’m going to hit something” may not been his style, but I’m pretty sure that anger is (and was) a pretty fair reaction to oppression and exploitation.