Christmas

Why am I writing about Christmas? Why am I writing about it on the 9th of November? Because for a significant part of each day of my week, I am suddenly forced to face the part of Christmas I hate the most.

Now those who know me best know that in recent months I have found a new depth to my faith in God. And that hasn't changed despite my statement in the paragraph above. To me there are two Christmases. There's the one that I cherish deeply in my heart, the one that involves fireplaces and stockings, trees and decorations. It involves good food, and family getting together, possibly for the only time in the year. It involves faith, and the joy of knowing that I am celebrating the birthday of someone who means more to me than anyone or anything else in my life.

And then there's the Christmas that involves...money. I work in a store, with a company that cares deeply about extracting every single benefit possible out of the Christmas season. We even have a product that is sold in two different packages, but is exactly the same, only labeled differently so that people who don't wish to see or say the word "Christmas" don't have to. Just so that we can make more money. By no means do I say that we are the only company doing this. In fact I live not 15 minutes away from the best shopping experience in the San Diego county area, containing dozens of stores that would be furious to know that my company is probably doing better than theirs right now.

So last night I found myself at work, for the first time required not to wear the normal uniform, but instead a shirt printed specially for the occasion. It was a bad night. We were short staffed for a job that is hard when it is overstaffed, and none of us are happy about having to endure the store covered in red and white, and listening to 8 straight hours of Christmas music. I wore a jester's version of a Santa hat just to keep my sanity, because it was funny.

After some consideration on the matter, I realize that yes, this experience will drive me crazy, and I will undoubtedly hate the "Christmas Season" even more than usual, but I have come to the conclusion that this is an opportunity for me. Several times in the past few months, God has challenged me to talk to people to whom I would never normally talk to about faith. This is one of those moments. It is a reminder to cherish what is so precious about this holiday, even in November, even before Thanksgiving. It is an opportunity to be able to remind others of this as well, even if they are of a different faith, or less inclined to faith themselves. Maybe I don't have to actually say anything, but instead show them. Show them that despite the relentless and shameless commercialism that we have applied ourselves to promote, we can still pass on the true spirit of Christmas. Even in November.