Marsha,
I know exactly how you feel. I think that for a lot of people, the holiday
season is just another means to escape reality. People talk about the
spirit of the season, family, peace on earth, etc. The reality is that for
many people, holidays are when family tensions become exaggerated. There's
also a lot of pressure to conform to expectations when gift giving is part
of one's tradition. People go into debt sometimes, because of this. And as
far as Peace on Earth, well, that's clearly not in the cards. Of course, for
me, Christmas has always been a borrowed holiday. When I did celebrate its
superficial customs, I did so with the knowledge that I was an imposter.
That feeling began when I was four years old and my father told me that this
was the last year we could have a little Christmas tree because we were
Jewish and Christmas wasn't really our holiday. We'd had a little tree for
two or three years because my parents thought I'd enjoy the colored lights,
but no more after this year. So while I was growing up, I enjoyed Christmas
caroles, and glittery decorations in other people's houses, and I even
received some gifts from my parents and aunt and uncle. Although, at the
time, I felt as if I were being cheated, later on, seeing the kinds of
emotional torment that the holiday season caused for many Christian people,
I felt relieved. I've had close relationships with three non Jewish men who
had drinking problems and Christmas was a terrible time for all three of
them. But for others, the holiday rituals are comforting and give meaning
to their lives. On the DB Review list, beginning in November each year,
people read and review novels about Christmas. Some people read the same
books every year, just like they sing the same caroles each year. This year,
we will be experiencing a new phase of life in this country, one toward
which we have been moving inexhorably. I don't think that trying to find a
silver lining is in anyone's best interest because if people continue to
deny what is happening, they will be unprepared to defend and protect
themselves. Already, before Trump, the changes in our society have
profoundly affected the lives of people in negative ways. People are
stressed and little by little, the supports that used to help all of us in
our daily lives, are disappearing.The changes have occurred gradually over a
long period of time, and people have been forced to accept them. Some people
don't realize that things were ever different. Someone whom I know, had a
very serious operation on Tuesday. Back when life was normal, if you had
serious surgery and would be seriously incapacitated by it for some period
of time, you would probably be in the hospital for one or two weeks. This
man was scheduled to come home the day after surgery. He was permitted one
extra day because he was retaining fluid and needed a catheter. It is truly
incomprehensible to me that a majority of our people are being robbed of
comfort and security while trillions are spent on military exploits and a
minority of people are encouraged by our system to accumulate millions of
dollars.
Miriam
_____
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Marsha Anderson
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2016 9:57 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: Change in discussion
HI
I appreciate the Holiday wishes. I just wish I felt in the Holiday
spirit. I don't understand how people can do such terrible things and then
think all is well because it's Christmas. I don't mean people on this list,
of course.
I don't know how to get away from all this stuff. Like I said, Al Jazeera
helps. They do have some good stuff and don't bother with all the fluff.
Sorry for the ramble on Christmas Eve, but I don't have any Holiday spirit
this year.
Marsha
