Shared Thoughts. 25.12.2016.
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Santa sure has a way. Happiness Vs Intolerance.
Another year is coming to a close. As with every year, the last week of season’s holiday and merry making commences with Christmas and the finale being the ringing in of the New Year.
In millions of homes, world over, toddlers wake up this day to a raw thrill believing Father Santa Claus has entered their home, with highly anticipated gifts wrapped in shining paper. They talk of keeping the window open on Christmas night, where tenements lack the chimney route for the Santa to enter. When windows must be kept shut to keep out the cold winds, then they wonder how would it be possible for Santa to come in. They are told, Santa has a way, a sure & unfailing way. That is enough…they simply fold up to sleep, with very keen expectation of a morning that must start with a surprise gift.
The Magic of Santa Claus has continued to enthrall youngsters across the globe year after year…generation after generation.
Our little son, Lalit during his 3-5 years believed and was so very convinced that the shoes with zipper and other gifts that he got for successive Christmas were from Santa !! Seeing his innocence and full faith that his prayers were answered by Santa, was a sheer delight for us, while it lasted.
Innocence is the victim as new knowledge is gained with each day of growing up. There is over a six year difference between Lalit and Madhvi.. and this difference dampened our attempts to create the Christmas mood for Madhvi during her 3-5 year stage…Lalit & his peer group by then were out of the Santa club and that was so very sad for her. In contrast, the two little lovelies here are nearly 3 years apart and now the thrills are equal to both, as they see the Christmas tree with all its colorful decorations and blinking lights.. and the gifts are surely from Santa.. for Santa, sure has a way to come in.
God in all His wisdom has ordained that the toddlers must remain innocent .. we, the grown ups must take care not to spoil His plans and ensure the innocence is prolonged as far as possible, without exposing too much to the unkind reality.
“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.” Patrick Rothfuss.
We are not Christians ourselves, but why should one be so, in order to enjoy the festive mood? We are happy simply by partaking in other’s happiness ..and this is what festival is all about. The thrill of Christmas is shared beyond all fractions of humanity, except where there is a strong fundamental belief system that prohibits & insulates a section from simply sharing happiness.
In the Middle East, Christmas and Easter are two occasions during which we read a lot of do’s and don’ts to comply with the faith here. Popular scholars vie with each other to prove who is more of a Muslim than the other by preaching the dangers of wishing Christians.
Ms. Muna Al-Fuzai is a popular columnist in Kuwait Times.. her columns are so down to earth and sensible on many social and contemporary issues….but who cares?
In her column on Dec 23rd this year, she wrote – “Christmas is round the corner and as usual, I have received messages and warnings on social media not to exchange any joyful gestures or greetings that reflect happiness on this important event for our Christian friends. Everything has been labeled as ‘haram’.. Muslims are not supposed to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or smile at anyone who happens to be a Christian.
…Reasons given are two – that this is not our celebration but a Western ritual.. and we should be mourning the death of people in the Arab world instead of expressing joy..
….during our Islamic holidays, such as Eid, many of my Christian friends and readers shower me with emails and messages wishing me and my family…should I counter them with the term ‘haram’?
…..Christmas is a festival of joy that revolves around Christmas tree, Santa Claus, candles and snowmen, although every country has its own rituals. For example, in Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken-KFC- is considered the traditional meal on Christmas, since the launch of the “Kentucky Festival of Christmas” campaign in 1974. Japan is not a Christian nation, but adopted this tradition from the Western world.
.. Large numbers of non-Christians also celebrate this festival. I see no harm in it and I enjoy it too… Many countries (in the Middle East) forbid Christmas and New Year celebrations and warn the public against doing so. Some Islamic states prohibit the celebrations and have penalties that may reach up to imprisonment…. Some Muslim scholars rush to issue fatwas for people to avoid expressing or sharingthe joy of such festivals. .. Kuwait is a little conservative, but it doesn’t interfere with the celebrations. Of course, it is nothing compared to the celebrations in Dubai. “…
I can recall the revelry we usually have on the sands of Dubai beaches during this time of the year. Foldable chairs and tables are always in stock to spread over the sands at night.. hundreds dining out.. with sumptuous dinner or BBQ to be flushed down with copious helpings of choice drinks to beat the outdoor cold winds laden with icy spray from the roaring waves. Mounted police on horseback keep vigil that the partying is well within control. There is always one teetotaler assigned to drive the stopping figures, back home to safety and gradual sobriety.
So to all my Christian friends – Merry Christmas and to everyone, a Happy New Year. Experience the spirit of Magic and Joy. Be Happy.
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Have a safe week-end and a pleasant week ahead..
