I understand the economics of Christmas, in fact at one point in my career – came to rely on it – though not anymore. I am less enthused today about these nuances and choose to participate emotionally and fiscally less and less in the notion of celebrating this time through gifts and frivolous and non-essential expenditures. Some will decry that it’s about the children and I am misguided…fine…but would suggest that it has become more about satisfying parental guilt and other notions of fantasy that can be packaged nicely in colorful wrapping paper at scheduled times during the year. I know though from my experience as a father so far that creating joy and happiness, building love and trust, and celebrating life and it’s wonder with my children and family is about everyday experiences…not that of a now misunderstood jolly old-fella tending to his list of naughty and nice with rag dolls and wooden train engines – not to mention the hype and illusion conveyed by retail chains whose bottom line motivations are conveniently forgotten in our shopping frenzy…our constant modern twisting and evolution of this time of year is becoming almost sinister and more and more unrecognizable. It’s not that I have an adequate answer to my dilemma here, other than to limit my participation in the insanity and settle in…in a more calm and reflective way…and take the time to be present.
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Lawrence Lewis
“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” – George Carlin
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂