The “Christmas” I’d forgotten!

For many years, I’ve been out of the country over Christmas. Today, I was reminded why I like to be elsewhere for this crazy holiday! I’d picked up mom from rehab as she was released today. It took three hours to complete that process. The fuel tank was a bit low so I swung by my favorite spot to get gas. It was full. I pulled completely around and waited for a spot. There were NO other cars at any pump when I did this. Finally, a truck pulled out and before I could pull up to the pump, a car cut me off from the other side. I raised my hands questioningly but he looked at me shaking his head from side to side. So rude and so much for the “Spirit” of Christmas. In this country, the “Spirit” of Christmas seems reserved for a few close family members or sometimes for show in public or around work. When I’ve spent Christmas in other countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala, Bali, Indonesia, etc.), the “Spirit” seems to permeate individual cations throughout the day. A sense of caring and connection strikes me solidly in my heart and I feel such a warmth connecting with people. Last year, I was on the island of Sumatra in the village of Bukit Lawang. It’s a weekend retreat for locals from Medan and a tourist stop to see the Orang Utan. I sat in the restaurant of my hotel visiting with other tourist as family members started arriving. Wearing red and white Santa hats, they congregated near the front of the restaurant. Before long, they gathered several tables together at the front and started loading the brightly covered tables with mountains of food!!! At the same time, they had guests move as they lined up tables along the full length of the restaurant to one side. I anticipated the family was about to gather and we’d need to leave. The next thing I knew, the entire family gathered at the front of the restaurant and wished us all a Merry Christmas! Then they explained that this wonderful feast was for us, their guest, whom they would like to share Christmas with. The long table they had arranged was our seating! Piles of food were served, musicians arrived, music filled the air and the “Spirit” of Christmas soared. Back here it’s a bit different. Guards keep overly eager shoppers from hurting each other. A new phrase was coined several years ago and continues to pop up around this time of year: “Parking Lot Rage”. Fights have broken out over parking. And now you can add “pepper spray” to the list of things to include in your holiday shopping strategy. Where did all this come from? When the driver cut me off, I was angry before becoming embarrassed. Here I was getting caught up in the wrong Spirit! Quickly, I looked deep within to release the inappropriate reaction and companion emotion. That’s not what I’m about and I let myself “catch” it from someone else. More peaceful, I waited until another pump opened. As I pulled to the pump and glanced at the car of the driver who had cut me off, I smiled and chuckled inside. He had a custom license plate saying “Respect Life”. Guess he forgot! I did too for a moment. I hope you are filled with the Spirit of delight, amazement, peace, discovery, joy and love this holiday season. Go spread that “Spirit” around to those less fortunate than you! Happy Holidays!