This is an original tale. I was born in the 50’s and grew up with a Sear’s Wishbook on the bedroom stand. We would circle all of our favorite gifts and it became a ritual. ‘Christmas is all about me’ is what this practice says. Yes, there is a baby Jesus who is God’s best gift to the world. Today is the day that I shop for me. Because I enjoy shopping, December is a dangerous time for my budget. I have a reason to shop and can find something I want while searching for other’s joy. It is not a need but I want it now that I have seen it. As a grandma it is very helpful to know what will please the desires of my grandchildren’s hearts. I don’t actually know what a four-year-old to thirteen-year-old think about. A Christmas list is very hopeful and for their benefit. There was no Christmas list the first Christmas. Throughout the many centuries, many Christmas traditions have developed – most of them better than the ‘list’. Many have nothing to do with the baby Jesus. We decorate trees, bake holiday cooking, open those presents, and watch many silly movies. How did Hallmark capture that market? I happen to love Christmas dinner. There are Christmas parties and trivia games. In Sweden there is a yule goat. The Philippines have a giant lantern. In Japan they eat Kentucky fried chicken. In Iceland the children put their shoes in the window for 13 days and someone surprises them with gifts. Finish families traditionally eat porridge. Summer falls during Christmas for Kiwis so they are found outside for a cookout on Christmas. Danish families place a tree in the middle of the house on December 24 and dance while singing carols. In the French Caribbean neighbors share holiday food and sang carols. In Norway we find gingerbread houses. The Irish put candles in the windows. In Barbados homes they share the aroma of baked ham. In Poland they watch the night sky for the first star then begin the celebration. The Dutch took to St Nicholas to bring treats to the children. When I lived in Switzerland, St Nicholas brought each child a small loaf of bread in the shape of a dough-boy. Brazilian and Portuguese families celebrate a midnight mass. There is a creepy creature in Alpine countries who sorts the bad children from the good. South Africa is all about the sweets. In Ukraine they celebrate Christmas Day on January 7th. Mexico has parades. There are fireworks in El Salvador. In the United States we have our Christmas lists. We are the most commercially successful nation and have the freedom to celebrate any and all holidays. It could be that the focus on individuals and self-made (not God-made) people has led to this practice. It can be good or can miss the mark. I was not ruined by the Sear’s Wishbook but God’s idea is to put others ahead of our own wishes and that can be a better goal for this Christmas.
