Yule Be Joyful

Christmas has changed a lot for me over the years. I’d like to think that I’m the better for it.

When I was little, I thought of Christmas like most little kids in this country think of Christmas: as a bountiful day of free swag. What could be better than lots of sweets having been cooked and purchased for weeks, a feast that echoed the one at Thanksgiving just weeks earlier, no school (for the older kids, of course), and the flood of presents. Who doesn’t love that?

Of course, things change. As you get older, you discover that there is responsibility to Christmas. That presents are often purchased and not simply manna from Santa. As the years passed, I grew more and more cynical about Christmas. I don’t think I’m alone in that. Miracle on 34th Street wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the fact that Christmas cynicism is a constant. One year, in fact, I was in my early twenties, I pretty much just ignored Christmas. I didn’t buy any presents, and pretty much embraced the pre-ghost philosophy of a guy named Ebenenzer.

It’s not my proudest moment. Both parents took me to task for wrecking Christmas and making my brother (who was in his tweens) very sad. I deserved it.

After that Christmas, I slowly crawled myself out of my little funk. I started having more faith in general. The holiday seasons became better. Like one reformed Mr. Scrooge, I tried to keep some of the spirit of if day in me all the time. Life seemed so much better that way.

Most recently, I have much to embrace. My family has grown quite a lot in a short period of time. I have to admit that it still confounds me a bit during the holidays (I’m adapting as fast as I know how), and it’s certainly complicated my life in regards to availability and gift-giving. And I wouldn’t trade any of it. Like George Bailey, I feel like the richest man in town. The amount of love in my life has grown beyond measure, and that is the greatest gift I have ever, or will ever, receive.

And yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Francis Church got it so right when he answered Virginia O’Hanlon’s question (editorial text). Children certainly know how to believe. And those cynics? When they grow up, not only do they believe, but they embrace. So, do I believe? Without a doubt.

Merappiful Chrismukkwanzasolstivusuledays, everyone!