Christians for a Day
Christmas is celebrated all over the
world. Those persistent missionaries really succeeded in spreading the word
of Christ. Of course Christmas is celebrated in various ways. Every
country, every household has its own traditions and practices.
Somehow I think I was cheated, having
grown accustomed to the commercial traditions of
North
America. For some reason I miss the silly traditions Christmas brings with
it. I feel wholly underprivileged not having a Santa to visit in every
mall, (though the practice has always seemed somewhat pedophilic), that
there are no decorated trees in every store or gaudy, extravagant displays
of nativity scenes in front yards and neon Rudolph statues on roofs. I,
however, do not miss the eggnog.
Had I grown up in
Finland, (where my bloodline generates and relatives still abide), things
could have been so different. During the sunless winters the spirits of the
Gods of winter are rejoiced and the “Ghost Procession” is held, which is
pretty much a parade, but with less flash and more natural components. But
more importantly is the attitude towards the fantastic. The Finns are known
as the witches of the north, their wizards are legendary and they take Santa
Claus very seriously. No Finnish child doubts the existence of Santa
Claus. The Santa tradition is etched into their skin and into their
culture. Anyone can point out where Santa’s mountain is, because since they
were wee things their parents showed them the direction. Just as they still
believe in household elves, they continue the tradition of Claus. But their
Claus is more of an old man of winter living in Lapland with his reindeer
and elves.
Their version of Santa, which they
consider the only true Santa, is said to live on Korvatunturi (Ear Fell)
Mountain. The fells are his ears and with them he can hear all the good and
bad boys and girls. He enjoys the colored, dancing lights of the aurora
borealis, (he says the lights look like dragons); ice skates on a lake atop
his mountain and occasionally breaks the time zone with his warping
reindeer. To me he sounds a lot more pleasant than the doped-up,
overweight, Coca-Cola drinking Santa they try to sell us on in the States!
Well, being
that I am neither here nor there, no longer in the States and Finland is yet
a five-hour flight away, I have to make do with what we got here, (here
being Israel). Yes, this is the motherland for Christians, but Christmas
here is celebrated in the churches in a very austere manner. The Christians
here are so devout, their celebrations have an all too serious nature. My
only affiliates, really, are the Christian Arabs and my circle of friends
who become “Christians for a day” and join in on my festivities. The Arab
villages are moderately decorated and are far from the well-remembered
extravagant displays. But I think what I miss the most is the spirit of the
holiday, which is highly lacking around here.
In
North America, despite the
commercialism, people do make an effort to be charitable on the holiday. It
doesn’t matter that they do this because they were told that Christmas is a
time of peace and harmony and this is the accepted behavior. Their motives
are irrelevant. For a day even the worst grouch can find some kindness
within. Not many here would “lay down the sword”, not even for a day. If
people would just come out of themselves for a day and try to behave
differently they might find the alternative experience pleasant.
So perhaps I was screwed out of what
could have been a more meaningful holiday, but the truth be known,
Christmas, in all its shapes and forms always makes me happy!
“I am
content to live it all again
And yet again, if it be life to pitch
Into the frog-spawn of a blind man’s ditch.” (W.B. Yeats/A Dialogue) |
