Commentary: Xmas Spirit
My boyfriend and I went to a master chorale Christmas carol concert at the Kennedy Center prior to the holiday. I’m not a fan, but he’s into that sort of thing, so I sucked it up and went. I didn’t know many of the songs and I have an aversion to praising the lord, so I couldn’t bring myself to join in during the sing-a-long portions (not even ironically), but I did find it interesting on one level: the presence of Christmas spirit. In the days surrounding Christmas, I’ve asked many people if they have felt the Christmas spirit this year. Without exception, the answer was no.
I didn’t grow up celebrating Xmas nor do believe in God, but I generally support the idea of Christmas spirit, or at least what it’s purported to represent. During late December I typically experience it in those around me, and try to reflect on it and replicate it in my own life. What I found interesting about this Christmas concert is that it was the only time during this holiday season that I had any sense of its existence. It was also the only time that anyone told me “Merry Christmas” (a volunteer usher). While the hall was less than half full, those that did show up tried their best to express the spirit through laughter, singing, smiles, and general camaraderie. However, I realize that an audience that can normally afford the Kennedy Center (me not included) may not be a representative sample.
When asked why they didn’t feel the spirit, the most common response was that “people are broke.” This troubles me. It’s common to refer to xmas as a purely commercial beast, but if my recent conversations are taken into account, our level of spirit is directly tied to the amount of money we have in the bank, or the amount of fear we have that we won’t be able to put money in the bank for much longer. Ugly stuff.
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I have found that my spirit has lifted considerably now that the holiday madness is over.
Amen, Jimbo!
Jimbo, I’d hug you if the internet allowed for any real human contact.
Jimbo, I feel that way every year.
I was tempted to quote ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ rather often this year: ‘It came without ribbons, it came without tags, it came without packages, boxes, or bags.’
I’ve been thinking about this. Why has this been a subdued Christmas? The year has been one of financial ruin. People are losing home, retirement, job, and it seems gauche to flaunt it in front of others that I am doing fine. The world seems to be falling apart. American Industry is in need of a bale out.
It isn’t about money, it is about people’s livelyhoods. Many people work to live, not live to work and the future seems frightening.
Merry Christmas! From Don McCullough, Conductor of the Master Chorale of Washington. Thanks for the honesty and the mention. Also, tell your boyfriend thanks for being “into that sort of thing.” Have a great New Year!
I didn’t grow up celebrating xmas either and I don’t believe in god. I appreciate you admitting as much and bringing up this whole xmas consumption thing. I don’t think there is any such thing as “xmas spirit”. Pregnant women getting trampled at Wal-Mart as employees are shot and killed only shows us the obvious: without money and tremendous commercialism xmas would be no more relevant than December 26th, Boxing Day.
not to avoid the real topic of the post, but it’s lovely that you felt something during a choir concert. proof that music really does have some of that power and beauty we’re always harping about at the office (a choral arts service org).
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