The Magic of Christmas

Ahhh, it's that time of year again. Christmas! I have always believed in what many people refer to as the "Magic of Christmas". You know, when people suddenly become more tolerant and more understanding and we genuinely care for the less fortunate. Something happens at this time of year that can warm even the coldest of hearts. It's a beautiful thing.

However, in recent years, now that I have aged a bit (more than a bit, actually), I'm developing a different perspective. To some it may even seem cynical, but I see it as being realistic. Don't get me wrong; I love the fact that many people feel something special around Christmas. What is starting to bug me is, what about the other 364 days of the year? The poor are still poor, the needy are still needy, losing your temper is just as bad in January as it is in December, and on and on.

Many of us like to get involved with helping people during the Christmas season; boy scouts will spend time shoveling driveways for elderly people; many like to put together a special food basket for an unfortunate family; people often give donations to the church or a charity. Again, that's great and I would never suggest stopping any of these refreshing behaviors. But what about the elderly person's driveway in January and February? What about food for unfortunate families in other months?

It makes me wonder if we are really trying to help others or if we are simply wanting to make ourselves feel good. I certainly don't want to down play all the good that happens at Christmas, but why do we stop when December 26 rolls around? And yes, I am including myself in this scenario. Whether you're a christian celebrating the birth of Jesus or an athiest just enjoying the holidays, the recognition that there are people in need should not be limited to a few days in December.

Wouldn't it be nice if the "Christmas Spirit" was a perpetual thing? And why not? After all, there really isn't any "Magic of Christmas", but rather it's a time when many of us simply decide to be better people. Apparently it's just too difficult to be better people all year long, because it is also our own, albiet subconcious decsion not to work so hard at being good when Christmas is over.

Kudos to everyone who goes the extra mile at Christmas to do something special. I truly believe that is a wonderful thing to do. But maybe this year at least a few of us should try to make that special feeling last throughout the year. Now that would be magical!