Christmas is full of surprises

I just love Christmas.  It is a wonderful time of year.  That is me and I am sticking to it despite all flack that I might receive from Christmas skeptics who tend to get it all wrong because they are stuck in the snares of capitalism of other -isms which I could name as materialism and individualism.  Their other mistake is to simply assume the reason why I love Christmas.  My love for Christmas is definitely not defined by the -isms prevailing in our society.  It is more defined by who we are or better put as who we could be in line with God's vision for us through creation.  It is about giving a chance to being the truly good people we are called to be by a God who believes in us.  

Never fail to be surprised at Christmas, I say.

As always, what has made my Christmas has not been the gifts or cheques that may have been received but rather the touching and special stories that have come to me from friends as they simply strive to get on with life, while trying to add a bit of extra cheer at this time of year.  

One friend is alone these days following a divorce.  She doesn't just stay alone but chooses to share her Christmas and her home with refugee families that she helps during the year, complete with a game of back yard cricket after lunch.

Another friend has me praying for his good friend who is very sick.  When I hear that this guy may not make it to Christmas, I send a simple message of assuring him of my prayers.  In return, I am sent a touching photo of the guy waving from his sick bed, being helped in a very caring way by his partner to sit up and wave at me.

These two stories have made my Christmas.  This is what Christmas is about.

Happy Christmas.  Ho! Ho! Ho!

What is missing?

This local scene looks so bare.  I feel so sad each day as I go past this spot just around the corner from where I live.  Why is this so?  What is happening?

You see, by this time of year, this building has placed in front of it a whole fabulous Christmas world with a huge tree, music, lights and much more.  It is full of colour and atmosphere and enjoyment.  Not so this year as there is nothing.  It is just bare space.  However, I understand and respect why.  It is because Thailand is mourning the loss of their beloved King and so no Christmas joy in the public sphere here this year.

Still, no matter what, Christmas does come.  Nothing can stop Christmas.  Well, at least on the inside. 

So my humble little tree with its decrations and lights has gone up as usual as Christmas will be celebrated no matter what - at least in the private sphere for me for this year in Thailand.  I even got a new set of lights which are so inexpensive but yet so wonderful with their colour and their flashing on and off in a varied routine.  Then there is is my Santa bag.  I love it.  It all transforms my apartment, adding a bit of extra colour and joy to my life and to those who come my way.   It is all so simple but so important for me as it adds to life and helps to bring forth a spirit of goodwill. 

I only ask - Why isn't it like this all year?  Why just Christmas?  This special time of Christmas has a message for the rest of the year.  Joy and good will to all. 

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Guess where I have been?

Pictures tell the story. 

What a great place and full of such friendly people.