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No season beats Christmas for creating that feeling of love
Dec 23, 2008 Letters
Dear Editor,
“I’ve got that Christmas feeling blowing in the air…… I’ve got this lovely feeling….. tell me why can’t this Christmas feelings last throughout the year….” So sing the song and its question, but it can’t, for Christmas is indeed “the special of specials.”
Crisis or no crisis, in spite of all the talk of “I ain’t looking after Christmas”, efforts will still be made to give it attention. In the hearts of many, it remains the “blue ribbon event”. And so the festive season is here with us again.
Christmas has a double-edge effect that cuts deep on two opposite sides; it evokes a sense of sadness and a joy that is hard to dismiss; a feeling of excitement and euphoria.
Even though one is poor, it somehow alights the heart, then ironically one (a poor) is thrown into an emotional gear that brings to the surface a sadness that stems from this joyous occasion.
Again, all because of one’s impecunious condition. This effect of Christmas is always, inexorably always, overwhelming.
Since as a child, I, like almost every other child (regardless of religion/belief), but mainly of Christian faith, have grown up to look forward to Christmas, even under hard times, harsh conditions — the elaborate and colourful glittering decorations of stores, buildings, working offices/business places, churches, streets and trees etc.
Those giant impressively decorated and well lit Christmas trees that dazzle your eyes, put you in the mood, the feeling like a veil comes over you.
The carols and the songs that you hear everywhere you go, the hustle and bustle, the vast array of toys – as a child they create much excitement, expectations, fuss and an uncontrollable feeling beyond explanation.
There is something that happens to you moving about and experiencing all of these. But all this is blended in with the somewhat sentimental thought/fact that your parents’ economic standing will not be able to afford you your wishes, and here is where the joy that this season is supposed to bring knocks you soft. You begin to daydream, your imagination becomes fertile, and suddenly for a while a dismal feelings engulfs you.
This is why, even to this day, grown as I am, I am always moved whenever I hear that song: “The little boy Santa Claus forgot.” Those words….”she looked at him very sad as water filled her eyes….as they stroll along the street, no shoes on his feet….”listen, mama, I want you to tell Santa Claus to bring a drum set and a Constantia for me, I am so lonely, I have no children near by me, ma you don’t know how happy your son would be”. I get deeply sentimental, believe me.
I begin to think of all the underprivileged children and poor homes and wish I had the power. Why should such a grand and joyous occasion come and leave so many in dire need?
The American comedian Dick Gregory once said that when Christmas comes around and your parents have nothing to give you, it hurts, but you soon get over it; but when you become a parent and you cannot give your child/children anything, the hurt is greater – devastating.
This is why we need to commend and support those who started and those who are keeping alive the Radio Needy Children Fund. Our society is richer and better because of them.
As I write, I can hear carols playing. When I hear “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”, “Walking In The Winter Wonderland” by Johnny Mathis, and “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt, I’m transported, even though I am fully aware of how the season has become bastardised and commercialized, and in some cases just an empty show; even though I’m aware that many have turned it into a farce, devoid of its true meaning, where hustle and greed have taken the place of love and humility.
Even as I know of the religious variance; as I am aware that the season has been trampled under, and if the one in whose name all this fuss is about were to appear he would disapprove in many ways.
And even though I, too, try to play it down and not to be caught up in the confusion, still, every time it comes around, like it or not, it changes the rhythm and mood. There is an upbeat and heightened spirit all about, almost everyone is affected.
Andy Williams got it right when he sang, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”. Say what you want, “deh ain’t gat nutting beat Christmas”.
Frank Fyffe
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