Rekindling that holiday feeling

This is the opportune occasion to revert back to the spirituality of our existence. Perhaps a religious and charitable venue will be more of a focus, and ultimately, isn’t that what these times are all about? If we really exert the effort and some imagination, this monetary negativity pervading the world could, ironically, evolve into a special blessing, leading us towards recapturing the meaning of these forthcoming holidays.

For the past few years, society had been flourishing on technological overload, both in the workplace and in our lifestyle. Yearly, there are so many amazing advancements that it is not feasible to keep ahead. Toys are more computerized, cell phones are with replete with a multitude of features, computers are thinner, more efficient and portable, and of course televisions have become more streamlined and visually captivating. By the time I acquired a flat screen, the plasma was gaining popularity and LCDs were moving in. Eventually, I capitulated and resigned myself to the fact that I shall always be trailing behind technology. Somehow, we do become so meaninglessly defined by our possessions and how technologically current we are. Perhaps in the process of high aspirations and numerous unnecessary acquisitions, we have misplaced the importance of tradition in our lives.

With Hanukkah and Christmas around the calendar’s corner, our mindset is in full gear on how to generate exceptional holidays without going overboard with pricey gifts. Every year, the Christmas hype is financially stressful, but this is the year where budgeting may intervene more prominently. In our family, an annual event is the Hanukah dinner, which transpires during one of the eight days. When assemble, we give money (gelt) to the children and dine on the ritualistic foods, notably potato latkes. Our Hanukkahs never really revolved around gifts, as they were always the minimal tokens compared to the anticipated distinctive symbols; the menorah, the dreidals, the history of the holiday, and chocolate money.

For me, the weeks surrounding the holidays should be more inclusive in regard to it being an initiation towards a time of togetherness and reflection. Children should be exposed to lessons denoting thankfulness and be open to discover the traditions of Judaism, Christianity and others. Demonstrate that the candles lit on Hanukkah symbolize the light of the Creator and that the Christmas wreath is a symbol of the eternal circle of life. Children should comprehend the idea that the presents for Kwanzaa represent the deep connection between parents and children but most of all everyone should try to appreciate all the beautiful miracles in their own lives. This gratitude for their blessings can be expressed by participating in a toy drive, a food drive or any type of charitable act, and can provide an alternative pleasure in just giving to others. Encouraging gifts from the heart such as writing a story, painting a picture, organizing a photo album, or creating a scrapbook are so much more meaningful and are treasures that last forever.

A few years ago, towards the end of November, I was asked if I would like to do some gift-wrapping to raise money for The Starlight Foundation. At first I was not quite sure if I could spare the hours, but then I decided that I would make time. In addition, I encouraged my youngest daughter to accompany me for those five hours. We were slightly concerned, as both of us were not experienced gift wrappers, but I was determined to try, and although my daughter was reluctant, I believed that she should join me in learning an unselfish lesson.

The day before Christmas we went to Alexis Nihon Plaza and we learned, on the spot, how to gift-wrap. Truthfully, we had a wonderful time although we lacked the packaging expertise. Everyone was beyond generous and the joyful spirit was memorable. We had the opportunity to talk to all kinds of people who lined up very patiently (we were slow and somewhat clumsy) to have their presents wrapped. We received numerous extraordinary donations beyond the wrapping fee by people who could have used the money. Since that time, we have repeated the experience for other organizations. We still reminisce about that first occasion when we witnessed the real gift of giving and we felt privileged to share in that spirit of goodwill.

Today’s society focuses too intently on possessions and the intensity in maintaining that technological pace that we often neglect the beauty of capturing moments of simplicity. Spend the holidays taking a walk to admire the Christmas and Hanukkah scenery, go skating and visit with family and friends. May all the holidays be one of togetherness and hopefully there will be a desire to replicate this heart-warming trend in 2009…… and beyond.