Scrooge Letter: December 15
Dear Uncle Scrooge,
I do agree with you that it was a bit strange to try to look at Christmas without Christ, but it was an exercise that I needed to do. In order to find out what the real meaning of Christmas is, I have asked my friends what they think of the meaning is and why they celebrate the way they do. Most have given me the standard answers that I have address already with you. When I present my arguments against, I usually get one of two responses.
The first is they say that if I had children, I would feel different about Christmas. They say that seeing Christmas through their eyes is to understand Christmas. Now I will not deny that my feelings towards this holiday would be very different if I had children, but does this mean that since I do not have children, then I can never truly know Christmas? Is Christmas just about children? If it is, then there is no hope for those without children to fully appreciate Christmas. I hope this must not be so. This attitude focuses too much on the gifts and the birth of Jesus would be easily be lost. If the Holiday is just for the children, then what of the caroling and good will? Children are and always will be a large part of Christmas, but they cannot be the focus or purpose of the special day.
An other reason they say is that Christmas is about family. I can understand this as I do have a family and enjoy the (American) Thanksgiving, which is about family. The problem I have with Christmas being about family is that I have for many years lived several hundred miles from my family. Although traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday is fine, the roads are too treacherous and the weather unpredictable to travel to be with them at this time. Spending time with friends becomes awkward as my friends spend the holiday with their families. If Christmas is about spending time with your family, does this mean that people who either have no family or live to far away to travel cannot enjoy Christmas?
Although I will admit that I am part of a minority of people (I have no children and live far from my family), I do not believe that Christmas would exclude anyone. A religious holiday is for all believers of the faith, not just for the majority. I will not deny that children and family can and do enhance Christmas, but the meaning and enjoyment of Christmas cannot be solely found in them.
Now after four letters, I fear I am no closer to an answer to the real meaning of Christmas. I cannot seem to reconcile the Christmas that I see and feel with the Christmas I am told about. My mind tells me that Christmas is supposed to be about Jesus Christ, but my heart does not feel that. I pray that you might have some insight to help me with my dilemma.
Your loving great nephew
E. Cliff