A need for some Christmas decorations made me think about what Christmas means to me
I'm a London renter. I don't have Christmas decorations in storage like so many people do, and I'm certainly not about to buy any now (or ever in fact).
This is due to two reasons:
1. I'm not of the persuasion of buying items associated with celebrating a tradition of a religion of which I do not follow... in fact, as an adult it seems to be religious appropriation.
2. Christmas has become a celebration of consumerism, not Jesus. I, like many other British kids, grew up with Christmas as a fun, festive, beautiful time. There were presents and games and food and fun. We pulled crackers, sent cards and ate turkey, but I'm an adult now. I don't have children and it seems weird to go all out to celebrate this Christian tradition.
"Christmas has become a celebration of consumerism, not Jesus."
Now don't get it twisted. I am no Scrooge. I like the lights, the mulled wine, and decorating a tree is nice. It's was nice to make the wreaths and it's been nice to add a bit of cheer in the house I currently spend so much time in with some festive decorations. I've made a thing of it, but in my way. I've celebrated nature, refused to buy anything, and forged my own version of fun through craft. So that's what Christmas has become for me. It's about reconnection, with nature and craft for sure, but also with loved ones, friends and of course - food!
My point is, I think we can all enjoy a little bit of what the season is about, without buying into the mindless consumerism aspects.
"My point is, I think we can all enjoy a little bit of what the season is about, without buying into the mindless consumerism aspects."
We must certainly not forget this is a religious holiday, and 100% question what we're doing, and why we are doing it, becasue it's all too easy to simply continue doing something we have been brought up with, or are simply in the habit of.
I broke the habit of simply buying as soon as I identified an issue, a long time ago.
I shall share 3 examples:
1. We have a Christmas tree but not decorations = buy decorations.
2. We have a a hole in those shoes = buy new shoes and throw the old ones away.
3. It's Christmas time = we must buy everyone loads of presents and organise Secret Santa at work
Instead, now my thinking goes more like this:
1. We have a Christmas tree but not decorations = how can we make them for free?
2. We have a a hole in those shoes = can we get them mended to make them last a little longer?
3. It's Christmas time = what is something that that someone really needs or would appreciate? Instead of buying tat for £5 for a work colleague we don't give two hoots about, can we do something nice for them instead?
"I broke the habit of simply buying as soon as I identified an issue, a long time ago."
So yes, more thought please when it comes to not only the decorations, but all your Christmas celebrations. The gift wrapping material you use, the amount of things you buy, the amount of food you waste, the shops you choose to buy from, and everything else. More thought always please.
After all, thinking is not just for Christmas, thinking is for life.
I'll be posting pictures of the natural Christmas tree decorations I ended up making very soon, and check out how I made a Christmas wreath from all natural materials I foraged in my local park.
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a very happy, nourishing time.
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