tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post6153653239750674219..comments2024-03-08T13:52:22.224-07:00Comments on LAJOY FAMILY: What It's All AboutCindy LaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486626867331586704noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-45717067587749020692011-12-02T08:38:24.890-07:002011-12-02T08:38:24.890-07:00I've been giving thought into all the ways and...I've been giving thought into all the ways and reasons why we celebrate Christmas as we do. My daughter lived in Japan and was disconcerted to find that the Japanese celebrate Christmas gift giving without the Christian faith behind it. Their path to God is through Buddhism. Is it crass commercialism, or could it be that for some it is a way to give love when it is difficult to express it openly?<br /><br />I can think of a lot of reasons to be mall hopping shopping. One is that for some it is difficult to express love openly, but by buying and giving we might somehow convey that message. (I cook for loved ones.) Another is, of course, seduction by advertisement. Giving to others what we felt we lacked, giving self the satisfaction of giving to others, vicariously filling (or giving ourselves the illusion of filling) the holes left by childhood lack (or perceived lack), business promotion/contacts through gifts (often food or liquor), etc.<br /><br />Then there is the reason behind the season, and when we are aware of, enhancing the birth of Jesus in our perceptions and actions, we may choose to moderate our presense in the malls or on the internet shopping sites. We may choose other ways to honor the light and way of living that Jesus' life brings into our lives.<br /><br />Maybe it is just as well that creches aren't as prominent in malls. The idea of giant lit up manger scenes with baby Jesus ten times the size of life, surrounded by jeweled wise men and kneeling shepherds doesn't do anything for me. Maybe each shopping center could set up a quiet chapel, a resting place for the body and soul, with a modest manger scene.<br /><br />Meantime, you are leading your children toward God in a way that celebrates the light, joy, hope, and love of the season, the reason for the season, rather than false ways to show love or to promote belief.<br /><br />Kudos to the LaJoys,<br />LaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-81941783405389532862011-11-30T07:11:43.079-07:002011-11-30T07:11:43.079-07:00Your kids totally get what the holiday is SUPPOSED...Your kids totally get what the holiday is SUPPOSED to be about. Bravos to you, Cindy!<br /><br />I am doing a book giveaway on my blog if you want to check it out..Deehttp://deescribbler.typepad.com/my_weblog/noreply@blogger.com