Christmas connects us with previous generations; not only familial ones but each collective generation within the world. We may not have met our distant forebears but we know they would have more than likely sung some of the same carols we do now. ‘O come, all ye faithful’ has a history of apparently 150 years and possibly even dates back to the 1700’s, so many generations have sung this carol previous to the one we currently find ourselves in.
On Christmas Eve during the First World War, soldiers on both sides of the divide laid down their weapons and sang the carol ‘silent night’. This most popular of all carols is sung in many languages all over the world and the tune is known by many millions of people. It is a connection, especially at this time of the year, that many share in.
These connecting threads which bind us with the past are for many, a large part of Christmas. Be the threads big or small, there is continuity to this time of the year and as time passes it is often the traditions which make Christmas what it is.
Whether or not you are interested in or even know who your ancestors were, it is nice to feel that you are part of a tradition. Knowing that what you do now has permanence to it and meaning adds to the feeling that you are part of a much bigger picture. Whether you think Christmas carols are corny or old fashioned is beside the point, what matters is, understanding that Christmas is bigger than you. Bigger than who gives the best and brightest gift, who looks the most glamorous at the work party or who can organise it all by themselves and be superwoman (or man).
Whilst Christmas, as a holy day, is not celebrated by all in this world; the spirit of it is. The spirit of giving, love, charity and tradition can be felt by all, irrelevant of religious persuasion and that after all, is what Christmas really is all about.
Enjoy
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Other posting you might like:
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Why living the life of your dreams is not being selfish
Take at least a small step each day
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