Dear Editor,
“I’ve got that Christmas feeling blowing in the air… I’ve got this lovely feeling… Tell me why can’t this Christmas feeling last throughout the year?” So runs the song, but the answer to its question is it can’t, for Christmas is indeed the special of specials.
Crisis or no crisis, in spite of all the talk of “I ain’t looking after Christmas,” efforts will still be made to give it attention, and in the hearts of many it remains the ‘blue ribbon’ event.
Christmas has a double-edged effect which evokes a sense of sadness and joy. Even though one is poor, there is a feeling of excitement and euphoria but it also brings to the surface a sadness that stems from one’s impecunious condition. Since I was a child, I, like almost every other child (regardless of religion/belief, but mainly of the Christian faith) have grown up to look forward to Christmas, even in hard times. There are the elaborate, colourful, glittering decorations in stores, offices, business places, churches, streets and trees, etc. Those giant, decorated and well-lit Christmas trees which dazzle your eyes put you in the mood. Then there are the carols and the songs that you hear everywhere you go; the hustle and bustle; and the vast array of toys − as a child they create much excitement and expectation. There is something that happens to you moving about and experiencing all of this. But this is blended with the thought that your parents’ economic standing will not be able to afford you your wishes, and for a while a dismal feeling engulfs you.
This is why, even to this day, grown as I am, I am always moved whenever I hear that song: ‘The little boy Santa Claus forgot.’ I begin to think of all the under- privileged children and poor homes, and wish I had the power. Why should such a grand and joyous occasion come and leave so many in dire need?
The American comedian Dick Gregory once said that when Christmas comes around and your parents have nothing to give you, it hurts, but you soon get over it; but when you become a parent and you cannot give your child/children anything the hurt is greater − devastating. This is why we need to commend and support those who started and who are keeping alive the Radio Needy Children’s Fund; our society is richer and better because of them.
As I write I can hear carols playing. When I hear ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,’ ‘Walking in the winter wonderland’ by Johnny Mathis, and ‘Santa baby’ by Eartha Kitt, I’m transported, even though I am fully aware of how the season has become bastardised and commercialized, and in some cases is just an empty show; even though I’m aware that many have turned it into a farce, devoid of its true meaning, where hustle and greed have taken the place of love and humility. Despite religious variations, I am aware that the reason for the season has been trampled on, and if the one in whose name all this fuss is about were to appear he would disapprove in many ways.
And even though I too try to play Christmas down and not be caught up in the confusion, still, every time it comes around, like it or not, it changes the rhythm and mood; there is an upbeat and heightened spirit all about, and almost everyone is affected. Andy Williams got it right when he sang: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
Say what you want, “deh ain’t gat nuttin beat Christmas.”
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
