We are now with-in a week of the big day, every one of our
thoughts are probably set on ensuring that everything is in place for the 24
hours of Christmas. We are all like mini Santa’s, spending each waking moment
making our lists and checking it twice. The list is probably very diverse, for
example: last minute jobs at work, studying for exams, presents, food,
decorating, travel plans, cards; oh the list just keeps growing. But just like
taking an exam, at 5:00 on Christmas Eve, it is time to put the pencils down,
because at that time, the show if over, the fat lady has sung, the stores are
closed, the Fed Ex trucks are parked, and all you have left to do is enjoy.
As I sit here in my easy chair with a pipe in one hand and a
glass of scotch in the other being warmed by the roaring fire, it give me time
to reflect on why we take a time that should be a quiet reflection of all the
blessings we have and turn it into a time where tempers are high, stress
abounds and expectations are too high for anyone to achieve. So then if all the
trappings are driving the stress, then what should we be doing? Let me begin
with what we all have in common, and that is a genuine attraction to the film
classic Christmas vacation. On the surface it is an amusing story about a
family, and how “mucked” up Christmas can get when the focus is on secular
values of Christmas and not the spiritual. So this year take a few minutes and reflect
on why we put ourselves thru the stress. It all starts out with a man, Clark W.
Griswold who only wants to provide his family with happiness and a swimming
pool. He is a middle class hard working son-of a gun, with a successful career whose
goal is to survive in a secular world, grasping endlessly for the values, while
providing the trappings of the world for his dear wife, and precious children. The
story evolves, by adding several key characters: His parents, his in-laws, his
cousin, his boss, and the neighbors. Each one of them play a key role in the
message of the story. Let’s start with Clark and Ellen. They are your typical
middle class family; Clark walks the fine line between the secular society and
the spirit society. In other words needs to be accepted by society while at the
same time that candle of spirit is still glowing, but flickers as he lets
“things” change the meaning of Christmas.
The parents, Clark’s parents are the old school middle class parents,
elevating their children to the point where they are blinded by their Childs
weaknesses as a reflection of theirs. Ellen’s parents are the first to find fault, of
others as to hide their own inadequacies. The boss: Mr. Shirley What a man, the American dream a
true inspiration; Business owner, powerful, directing, demanding, tons of money,
big house over there on Melody lane, wife running around in her PJ’s and mink
coat with a pearl necklace. The
neighbors Todd and Margo: Classic upies want to bee’s, their life centers
around themselves, a “couple” that only thinks of their individual needs and
wants, have the latest top of the line gadgets, but in the end have nothing
other than themselves. How can I forget Lewis and Bethany? Two grouchy old people that want to feel useful and appreciated, but are like the old
Christmas decorations only to be seen once a year. And last but not least the Johnson’s. Eddie,
Edward, a man who has noting, and wants nothing, happy and content with his
life and has a heart of gold. The trappings of the world do not affect either
Eddie or his family, they are not judgmental accepting of his actions, not
wondering what others may say, or passing judgment on what he feels ; his
objective is to do what is ever necessary to make the lives of the people he
loves fulfilled. So about this time I bet you are all wondering if 6 actually
has a point to all of this rambling.. Well I do.. Christmas is not about
stress, it is not about things, it is not about image, it is not about
disappointment or envy. It is about the contentment the kind that one has as
you look into the crèche and finding an infant with his arms open, giving
himself to the world. He has everything and wants nothing other than to have his
family at his side, no big house, no big tree, no presents, no swimming pool,
no turkey he just wants to give of himself. Just ask and you will receive the
important gifts and not those that tarnish and fade before you start the
process over the next year. Now that is the true meaning of Christmas Vacation.
