The Reason for the Season

Well, Christmas is upon us. Also upon us, however, are Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the advent of a New Year (for some of us). I suppose I would be remiss if I failed to mention World AIDS Day, Rosa Parks Day, Human Rights Day, Pearl Harbor Day, and the International Day of the Disabled Person. Then, of course, we've also got National Fritters Day, National Roof-Over-Your-Head Day, National Cookie Day, Wear Brown Shoes Day, Mitten Tree Day, and National Noodle Ring Day this month. Lots to do! Holiday season and all.

There are many who would remind you to remember the reason for the season. While you're rushing around buying gifts for people you don't know or don't like but will force yourself to socialize with, it can be difficult to remember that this time of year is not about depression, bankruptcy, and merciless self-flagellation. But there doesn't seem to be any real consensus about the reason for this season, does there? Is it a season of giving? Why only have one season for that? If we are going to give gifts and spend time with our families, why must we wait until the end of the year to do it? Of course, there's always the possibility that Christmas, in particular, has something to do with the birth of a deity. I think we all know the problems with that story. Personally, regarding the nativity of messiahs, I'd rather say that this is a season to celebrate the wearing of brown shoes.

But when you look at it and are honest with yourself, you have to admit that there is no reason for the season. We celebrate because of tradition, because of social pressure, and, that being true, we aren't really celebrating at all. I'm sure a great number of us are still clinging to orthodoxy, but I'd wager to say that the majority of us do what we do this time of year because everyone else does it. The image has become more important than the referent. If you want to celebrate the birth of a god, you can do that all year round. I'm sure he would want that! Do you really think that guy would be sulking up in heaven going, "No one remembered my birthday" with his party hat drooping? Of course not. There is nothing that happens during any winter holiday that cannot happen any other time during the year, atmospheric events notwithstanding. So, this year, I urge you to take a stand against mindlessly going through the same joyless motions. Do something for yourself. Decide for yourself what and when you will celebrate. Because mass holidays always outlive personal significance, and the only celebrations that have real meaning are the ones that are important to you as an individual.