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As we count down to Christmas Day, I know some people who are not looking forward to this day because it has lost its meaning to them.
Christmas is rarely a celebration it used to be. Gone are the days when this day signified the spirit of giving and sharing.
We used to look forward to this day, to catch up with family members we hadn’t seen in a while. We indulged in yummy food, listened to great music and exchanged gifts.
I blame the tough economic conditions and the destruction of the extended family unit for this.
Now, Christmas is about the look and feel, themes and status. It’s become too materialistic and as a result those who can’t afford expensive things or gifts are excluded.
Christmas has lost its meaning because of conflicts that contribute to the destruction to the family structure. Unresolved conflicts over time destroy families.
A friend told me recently that for him, Christmas Day is like any other day. He stays in his pyjamas and sleeps the whole day.
“I really don’t see the need of celebrating Christmas. Nothing is special about this day, except that as Christians we celebrate it because it’s Christ’s birthday.
“After my parents passed away a few years ago, I lost contact with both maternal and paternal relatives.
So, on Christmas Day I will be working on my laptop, planning for the next year and sleeping the whole day. This has become the norm for the five past years and I am fine with it,” he said.
Another friend told me she doesn’t celebrate Christmas anymore with her extended family because she didn’t grow up with the cousins.
And every time she met them on Christmas Day, it was always awkward. She felt like an outcast because she didn’t belong.
“You know I would try to hang around with my extended family, but I’d end up not knowing what to talk about. Remember, I don’t know these people, we only met now as grown ups.
“Also, it never ends well because of family conflicts and other differences. Our parents had their own issues growing up and now as children we find ourselves being dragged into their fights.
“I’ve since decided that I will spend my Christmas with my immediate family. As much as I love my extended family, I would rather only meet them during funerals,” she said.
How I wish we could go back to the days when white bread was a suitable token of appreciation in the spirit of sharing on Christmas Day.
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