The year that has been

2013 is coming to an end and I am sitting here, looking at my simple nativity set and thinking how sad it will be to put it away until next Christmas as that will mean that my favourite time of year is over.  This becomes a natural time of the year, as I face packing away my nativity set, to stand back and reflect on what was, especially when what was has gone so quickly. 

Two days ago, I got an email from Fr Tom, bemoaning the fact that all he got for Christmas dinner was a hamburger and then pledging that this will not happen again in 2014.  A simple enough expression of a life experience but it shows the dynamics at work while we move on from year to year.  There is a "never again" component to life but, as we know so well, there is the constant repetition of the same themes in life and we ask - Why do we keep doing the same things to get the same results? 

I had reason to recall a seminal book for me in my life journey. It was entitled - "Victim, No Longer" (I think).  I wish I still had the book to share with a new found friend here in Bangkok as his life remains affected by a destructive and unasked for past. 

I read my Christmas cards and I am struck by two from special friends.  One contains a wish for 2014 that is less of bishops and more of fulfilling ministry.  Another from a good family assures me that I am a special person in their lives. 

I think then why does 2014 have to be a repeat performance of 2013.  You know what?  This year, I will not put my nativity set away.  I am going to keep it out and enjoy it all year and remind myself that Christmas can live on all year round.  You may think I am mad.  I don't care.

Happy 2014!

Yes, it is Christmas!

Every year, around the corner from where I live, the nearby LH Bank centre hosts a major Christmas display at the front of its building.  It is just like going to another world which I name as Christmas Wonderland.  When you are there, you could think that you were in the US or Europe or Australia. It is not just the wonderful tree and the marvellous settings with their bright lights and colourful decorations.  It is also the music.  You can stand in the midst of it all and listen to "Let it Snow", "I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus", "Winter Wonderland" or "Jingle Bell Rock".  So I just go and savour all that it has to offer - just forget it all and enjoy the moment. 

Believe it or not, this is Thailand. Just let the photos tell the story.  Enjoy my Christmas Wonderland and Merry Christmas! 

Yes, it's that time of year again.

This week finished with the annual Christmas party for the refugees at the Bangkok Refugee Centre.  I look forward to it each year as for me it is what Christmas is about  - sharing it with those who are less well off - and here is my opportunity to do just that.  Maybe this is a bit selfish of me. 

There is a similar pattern to the celebration each year with the entertainment and the nativity play put on by the children, the Christmas songs, Santa and the gifts for the children and then the free lunch.  It is a popular day with the population and one they all enjoy but what was it about this year? 

There were many more children as well as adults. The crowd was bigger than last year or it seemed that way.  They also appeared to be just that more desperate than last year.  When there was the opportunity to get something for free - the gifts and the food - there ensued an unruly rush, a rush that upset the centre manager who saw a people who lost it at that point.  Losing it to the extent of becoming undignified.   

Later in the day, the manager and I discussed what had happened.  I approached it as speaking of a population that is getting bigger and more desperate each year within an environment that has limited resources that are being stretched further each year.  This means that we can only offer them so much and no more, not offer to placate everyone as they would like or need.  Given the situation, their response is understandable but the challenge for us becomes how not just to give but how to give so as to respect their dignity and let them keep it, even when there is not enough to share. 

Yes, it's Christmas again and I love Christmas but how to share it for and with those less well off such that their dignity is respected and not just do it to make you feel good?  How I love Christmas.  I grew up on it but it is not just for me.  More importantly, it is for others and, yes, for those less well off than I. 

In the midst of it all

There are many lovely Christmas trees around Bangkok.  So I ask - which tree do I share with you?  I make the simple choice to share my tree and here it is! 

The week that has been mine has seen the highs and lows, the beauty and the ridiculousness of life as I know it in Bangkok.  In the one week, we have had yet again the political protests that so easily and eventually turn nasty but then they stop so that everyone can celebrate the King's Birthday which I know as a day when you experience some of the very best of the local people and their culture. 

Over the years, the protests just go on and on as the issues are never resolved or maybe can't be resolved.  What I see at play is narrow self-interest on both sides, with neither side providing good leadership that will benefit the people and the longterm good of the nation.  Everyone is fighting for democracy and standing against corruption.  So who's in the right? 

What everyone also holds to is a love for the King, and this is deeply felt and real for Thais.  There is something truly touching about this and it is celebrated each year by the people on 5th December which is the King's Birthday.  So, on Thursday evening, I happily went once again this year to a neighborhood celebration for the King and his birthday.  It is open to all in the local community to come together for a festive event.  There is free food.  There is entertainment by the children who do traditional Thai songs and dance with such grace and pride.  There is the ritual where reverence is shown for the King which includes all standing with lit candles and singing the royal anthem and to the King, finishing with a rousing and heartfelt "Long Live the King!" 

It is all done with such love and sincerity and dignity that it just touches your heart, making you feel that there is something here that is just so real and to be truly treasured. 

So I experienced yet again the beautiful and dignified side of the Thais.  It is now the day after the birthday and political conflict remains unresolved.  So what next?  The general feeling seems to be that it will be back to the streets for more action.  We will wait and see. 

In the midst of it all, the trees and the decorations are up, the silly but appealing songs are being played and Christmas will go on, no matter what.  Enjoy the season!