In the awe-inspiring words delivered by Richard Attenborough in regards to his Miracle on 34 Street character Kris Kringle:
"I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. You know, I'm a symbol.I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt."
There is an undeniably selfish motive in the belief that Christmas is for our relaxation or enjoyment. Excusable vacation time, religious confession, sales within stores, all stand as annual correlations to the yuletide, but the season is so much more than the conveniences we attribute to it. The goodwill of man and proliferation of good works is not always regarded throughout the year. Sometimes, we scoff at the too-generous, calling them desperate or worse. Or we doubt the intentions of the man who smiles and greets each stranger, suggesting he must be off his rocker to be so jolly on a Tuesday in March. But the holiday season... This time, we welcome the carolers, the charitable deeds, the kinship with strangers on the diurnal commute. These interactions we cherish, and as such, there are so many positive feelings attributed to this time of year.
Regardless of religious, historical, social, or other confusions surrounding Christmas and its traditions, the proliferation of good works can be celebrated. Whether your exit is acknowledged by a joyous "Merry Christmas!" or a celebratory "Happy Holidays!" let not the celebration of mankind's greatest attributes be met by cynical ears. If it is called Christmas, Birthday, Yule, or even Chanukkah, the spread of joy could still smell as sweet. But what is the point of having a favourable scent if the recipients refuse to experience its aroma? To become distraught over a personal offense to another's form of expression discredits the very values of grace, charity, and goodwill that we celebrate during these cold months. The very man who graciously charms your day with a "Happy Holidays!" is the same who may never greet you in April. Celebrate the capacity of others to do and say good tidings rather than admonishing the ways in which they do so.
As a species, we become endangered the moment we lose our sense of empathy. Take advantage of this time of year to look for fellowship in others. Think of your polar opposite and begin with what ties you to one another. If you are political opponents, acknowledge the passion for political engagement. If you like the Vols, pick a better team, but do so while acknowledging that Gator fans love football, too. And best of all, for every thing and every person you have, acknowledge that there are some with less and that you have the opportunity each day to lessen the gap between yourself and those less fortunate.
