Pohutakawa in bloom: Christmas draws near in New Zealand
My sixty-third Christmas approaches. The pohutakawa tree, affectionately known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, blooms on the shores of North Island, and summer approaches.
For several years now I have attempted to find my way through the coming weeks without negative feelings of frustration and irritation at what this festival appears to have become.
I love to spend special moments with those special to me, and I love to help to create such moments. But as each year passes, feeling part of the general so-called celebration of Christmas becomes more of a challenge. I wonder how alone I am in this sentiment.
Is it the inevitable consequence of divided or separated families, (after all, many aspects of the celebration of this Christian festival originate in the home)? Or is it just as hard to let go as is it to accept what feels like an inflicted sense of jollity and excessive consumerism?
I have tried in the last year to remain in touch with the majority of my friends and family. But there will be many who have received my thoughts and not my words. I hope I will find the time to write more than ‘Happy Christmas’ to these folk. However, if you are reading this and you know we have lost touch and would like to re-establish our link, then please email and let me know how and where you are.
Everything changes, nothing is permanent.
Some may have the strength to face this truth alone, some may have a faith which supports them. Almost all will recognise the value of trusted friends or family in facing such realities. If the celebration of Christmas helps to reinforce this, then perhaps we can hope to be a richer society.