So Whose Birthday is it Anyway?

Last week I was returning from Las Vegas (I went to get away from the snow and got snowed in) and sat next to a woman who reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas. She asked me this simple question, “When did Americans come to think that Christmas is a second time in the year to celebrate their own birthday?” We had a great discussion about the true meaning of Christmas and that the only birthday we should be celebrating on December 25th is that of Jesus (well OK there are some folks who are fortunate to have this holy day as their birthday-my niece Mariah does-Happy Birthday Mariah). After a good hour of conversation we agreed that the true meaning of Christmas is about giving to others. Since the conversation I have done some deep reflecting on what “giving” is all about.

I started thinking about people I know that have “given” something to someone that was totally unexpected; unconditional. A month ago my friend, Liz and I met for a holiday drink to catch up on our lives. As we prepared to leave we were engaging in a deep conversation on our way to the door. As I approached to open the door I realized that I had lost her. I looked behind me to find her hugging a young girl that was clearly emotionally distraught. Liz was consoling her and the young girl continued to shed tears. I walked back and attempted to consol her as well. After a few minutes we got her to smile and she thanked us. As Liz and I walked towards the door, I asked her who her friend was. She answered, “Oh that was not a friend I do not know her”. I was taken aback. I just assumed the way she had opened her heart to this young girl that she had to have known her. Liz just looked at me and said, “She just looked like she needed a hug”. This was a pure loving gift that did not come in a new shiny wrapped box. It was given from her heart with the intention of giving to someone else for nothing in return. How often to we give unconditionally? Yes, Christmas has always been about giving. I have always done my fair share of charitable giving at Christmas and throughout the year. But I can honestly say that giving in the spur of the moment at the most inconvenient time for me is not a gift that I have given often enough. And sometimes the simplest gifts can mean the most at the perfect timing of someone else. So is unconditional love about timing? Is it about seeing a situation from another’s point of view? Is it about giving what someone else needs not what we think they need?

This left me in a confused state of mind for Christmas. I felt a need to go about this Christmas completely different. So I downplayed the glamour and the typical traditions. There were fewer presents and I did not even send out Christmas cards (the first time in 25 years). I spent more time one on one with those that I love, gave out more hugs and spent time thinking about all that I am grateful for. I thanked God for providing for each and every one of us and most of all for birth of Christ as a reminder of what is most important in life; giving to others.