Would the overdone, overstuffed, consumer crazed Christmas exist without the media fuel? I understand that retailers are trying to sell goods for their businesses to be profitable so although I can’t stand the commercials, I understand why I am subjected to them. I wonder if the commercialism of this holiday actually stems from the media who wants those same retailers to buy ad space and web campaigns to continue to keep said media outlet alive and relevant. I wonder what December would feel like if we heard no media reports about Black Friday, Cyber Monday nor had the continual reminder of the number of shopping days left until December 25th. What if I never heard or read stories about the cheap, luxury, terrific or unique gift ideas in every media outlet ranging from the Wall Street Journal to All Things Considered on National Public Radio (NPR)?
Would I be able to actually drop into the sacredness of Christmas which is for me; the recognition of new life, the allowing of hope and the weaving together of a community to welcome the blessed union between parent and child?
Instead of allocating our time and money to frantic searching and mindless accumulation for ourselves and our families and friends, what could become available if we:
cooked a meal for a neighbor we have yet to meet
gave a goat to a family in Africa
made a 12 month commitment to a food bank or soup kitchen
shoveled the sidewalk for our side of the block, better yet your side too
made something entirely of material or food stores already in our homes
only purchased a gift from the place of true heartfelt giving rather than from obligation
held a new born baby who although might not be in a manager could use some extra love
I have decided to take a media break over the next few weeks and with that, maybe the run up to the 25th will be a little more graceful, less chaotic and allow me to be truly grateful for my wonderful life. Let me know if you want to join me and give it a try.