At this time of year we are inundated with holiday stories on the flat screen that depict ideal families living ideal lives, with what ends up being wonderful outcomes after some minor sort of issue has to be dealt with. It brings a tear to the eye when things settle and the people who should be together finally are able to.
It was suggested by a BQ regular that this year we might like to share our own holiday stories, recalling happy times, treasured traditions, family trips, personal preferences, and overall, our relationship with all that the holiday season brings to us. As UU's we might have complicated feelings about a holiday based on a Christian model. Many Pagan and Humanist traditions borrow from faith traditions rooted less in a biblical base and rely more on Earth or nature-centered perspectives.
Where do you land on some of these topics?
How do you feel about bringing a green tree into the house, decorating it in lights and ornaments? Does it have to be a live tree cut for the purpose? Is an artificial tree OK? Is there a right way to do lights and ornaments, or will any old way suffice?
What is the best holiday dinner? Is it turkey, like the Thanksgiving dinner, or does another main dish dominate? Does it even matter? I understand some people have Chinese take-out on Christmas Day. How do you feel about that?
I have strong memories anticipating opening presents in the morning after Santa comes. In another tradition presents are opened the previous evening. Is there a right way to do this? And what about buying something for yourself any time in the 3 months that precede the holiday, thereby depriving someone the pleasure of giving this object/item/article of clothing etc. you clearly want and desire to you as a gift? Is that OK? Shouldn't you just wait for the holiday and let someone make you happy?
There is a strong movement these days away from giving physical gifts, but rather to give experiences or non-material things that can be treasured but won't clutter up a shelf or closet. Is taking someone fishing a legitimate gift? How about a certificate to a spa for a massage? A train ticket to Portland? How do you feel if, at this time next year, the experience you gave was not realized by the person who received the gift? I have a policy that once a gift is given, the giver has to release any ownership of it. The recipient is 100% responsible for how the gift is used. Or not used. How does that feel to you?
This will be our only meeting in December. I hope it turns into a festive and happy time for everyone. Happy Holidays!
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