Well, here it is time for my pretty-much annual Christmas Blog. Things aren’t exactly back to “normal” yet, so Christmas probably won’t be considered “traditional” again. But — what is “traditional?” That depends on a lot of things, including your nationality, where you live, how you were raised, what you believe, or don’t believe, etc.
I’ve celebrated over 80 Christmases and a lot of them have been what many people would consider “traditional,” with family and friends. Some of them have been pretty isolated with no people around — the only way to tell it was Christmas was to check the calendar. Even though many have been very different, they all have been memorable.
Some of the most memorable have been those celebrated in other countries, whose traditions might seem strange to others, but those traditions are very important and meaningful to those celebrating them.
Quite a few years ago I was in in Syria — not for Christmas, but for a few days prior to Christmas. I don’t remember a lot, but some of their (Christian) traditions are similar to ours — some not so much. I remember the houses, buildings, shopping centers and a lot of the trees all being decorated with Christmas lights.On December 6th, Christian families attend special Masses held in the churches. Christians, that celebrate Christmas, make up only about ten percent of the population of Syria. The Mass held on Christmas morning consists of a procession and a bonfire is lit. During the Mass, the priest walks around the church carrying a figure of Jesus Christ in his hand, while the people sing hymns. After the prayers, the priest performs the “touch of peace,” where he touches a person’s hand and the touch is passed from one person to another in the church — this ensures the blessings are passed on.
The thing I remember the most about the Syrian Christmas activities is that the smallest camel who carried the “Three Wise Men,” is believed to bring gifts for the Syrian children. The youngest and smallest camel carrying the “Three Kings” or “Magi,” who followed the star to search for Baby Jesus, was drained by the long journey and fell down. Jesus Christ is said to have blessed the camel with immortal life. Syrians believe that that camel brings gifts to the children every year.
So no matter where you are, who you’re with, whether you got presents under a tree, in your shoes, or someplace else, and the gifts came from a camel, a goat, or Santa, this Christmas will be merry… and memorable.
Merry Christmas!
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