Holidays are special.
Automatically.
Christmas is special for many of us for several reasons, from memories as youngsters to family gatherings to the meaning of the holiday in its many dimensions.
In the last two generations, Christmas has been a commercial focus by capitalizing on family gatherings to the meaning of the holiday in its many dimensions.
More than few stores depend on commercial success at Christmas to break even or make money. That reality of Christmas is undeniable.
Christmas is more than related to religion for a large part of our society. We do not function in an either-or-situation and that is not necessarily a bad scene.
Religion is a critical part of society across the world, and, of course, some individuals take religion more seriously than others. Religion is personal.
Religion can lead to wars. A large element in society seeks to have its religion be meaningful and even dominant, not just respected.
For several centuries the U.S. had been homogenous in its religion. Through immigration the U.S. is homogeneous in very few items. Religion diversity exists.
Our world is in continuous flux. That reality can work for us, or, we can take a negative view. We want to make our world exist in peace and to be respected.
Christmas Eve is in a less noisy world with more reflection and religious introspection. The vast majority of stores will be closed.
We continually find we have choices to make at Christmas. The world stage would prosper if those who seek to make war would want take a break.
War is a fact in today’s world and has been for nearly every generation in the last two centuries. Understanding that reality and seeking change would be valuable.
Change, introspection, peace, can be accomplished through each one of us. As limited as it might be, we can start the process for positive change.
Religions all have positive impacts. If we utilize the best of religions, we can make progress toward peace. Distortion of religion can diminish us.
There is more meaning to the greeting at Christmas that is greater than religious, with Merry Christmas.