Open Features: Yuletide Memories
Tamara Krausz from British Columbia, Canada, remembers Christmases as they used to be - and asks some pertinent seasonal questions.
This time of the year is supposed to be filled with joy and happiness. There is crystal white snow falling upon us, separately gracing every person with its crisp and chilling presence.
Wherever you walk you see ravishing sights, homes lit beautifully with brightly- colored Christmas lights. As you approach more closely, you see the laughing faces of the children who, with their families, are placing the finishing touches on their round and jolly snowmen. You also see parents covering young ears to keep them from being frostbitten as children head for the skating rink made only yesterday by their father in the back yard.
Then children are off to bed, resting their heads on plump feather pillows, snuggling beneath quilted blankets made by grandma, their little hearts beating excitedly at the possibility of catching a glimpse of jolly old St Nick. Mom and Dad now have their own affairs to tend to.
This is the time of year when the people in our little town join together in a joyous congregation to celebrate the year that is ending and to welcome the new year that is approaching. They hug and shake hands with one another, then return to their homes to rest for the excitement that lies ahead.
But are we forgetting these Yuletide customs? Have we grown too accustomed to merchandising, too materialistic? Do we try to make ourselves happy merely with things which we buy?
Do we face a future of bleak commercial Christmases? Can we re-think our priorities and change the way Christmases will be for future generations?
Can Christmases once again be as amazing as they once were?
