The celebration of Christmas is one ritual to which Jamaicans give whole-hearted attention. For one group of our ancestors, Christmas Day and the day after were the only occasions when, as enslaved people, they were given the opportunity to indulge in revelry and to rejoice in their humanity, if only for a while. We're a long way removed from those times but the habit of seeking Christmas enjoyment, especially in the circle of the family, still remains.
This season, Christmas, like everything else, is undergoing change. Not just at home but globally. In particular, the financial realities of the times have curtailed celebrations and lowered the ceiling of expectations. The lavish supplies of food and drink which were once a requisite for enjoyment are much diminished, even though there are those who seem still able to celebrate, no matter what.
The freedom to roam far and wide across communities to share fellowship has also been restricted by the unruly and violent spirit of our times. This is demonstrated especially in the uncaring behaviour exhibited by far too many drivers on our roads, which has made 'Christmas accidents' an unfortunate feature of our landscape. Yet, despite these and other hindrances, the spirit of Christmas endures. The hungry are still fed by those who care and with the assistance of the many churches and charitable organisations work to fill the need. Joy is still brought to the hearts of children who are usually forgotten but who are now remembered in this time of giving.
This season in particular, it is gratifying to see the level of caring being exhibited by some of our leading performing artistes and athletes from an environment where there is an over-abundance of the self-centred and the uncaring. Especial commendations to recording artiste Shaggy for his multimillion-dollar project to help equip the Bustamante Hospital for Children to expand its capacity to provide care for young ones laid low by illness.
It is heart-warming to see also the involvement of the super athletes Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell working through charitable foundations, which they have established, to give back to the community. These and others of like mind deserve our gratitude and the hope they offer that others will see star status need not be identified by crass and crude behaviour.
Can't lose hope
This Christmas, we survive even in the face of the economic crisis which has put the brakes on much of the accustomed activities of the season. The bombshell presentation of the list of basic items slated to be taxed in the New Year has distracted and demoralised many, but while the Government wrestles with the implications of its actions and the burden of moving the nation forward, we cannot afford to lose hope in ourselves. It has been said that there always will be Christmas, so long as the original reason remains in the heart of humanity, so long as there are still good Samaritans who will cross the street to offer care, even to the enemy, so long as we believe in the innate goodness of mankind, despite that which would prove otherwise.
In that spirit, we are called to return to the qualities which once made this country a model of neighbourliness and caring, a place where peace and goodwill brought true prosperity, not only materially but in character. Such an achievement, were we able to make it a reality again, would strengthen, through sincerity, the mantra of merry Christmas and a happy New Year, even in a time of adversity.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.