What remains after Christmas has passed? The trappings of the season are already packed away by some tidy folk. Others like to let the decorations stay until after the new year has begun. Beyond the memories of Christmas day what will stay with each of us as the calendar changes? Will the peace and goodwill carry over? Will the spirit of generosity be with us going forward?
A few weeks back, I took a jab at marketing Christmas year-round, with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the buying season could be extended by designating the 25th day of every month as a day to exchange gifts and boost consumerism. Will the 12 days of Christmas become the 12 months of Christmas? I wondered. While I sincerely hope that scenario does not catch on, I would love to see the idea of sharing and taking care of one another continue on throughout the year. "The least of these," as Jesus called those who are in some way down, disadvantaged or discouraged, need support every day not just during the holidays.
One of my friends who read my "Christmas all year long" post said she had once suggested to her Sunday School class a day of giving on the 25th of each month. Not a time to set up a tree and buy presents for friends and family, but a day of service in the community. She said the plan never really caught on, but what a wonderful idea it is.
Many of the elderly with no family near would enjoy a visit at least once a month. People who are lonely need to feel connected to someone. Local food pantries too often have shelves which are nearly bare. Many young families are struggling to get by and would be grateful for diapers or help with the electric bill or gas money for getting back and forth to work. Some people live in houses which are in need of repair and they lack the funds to fix what’s wrong.
Generosity should be a way of life. Giving should be as natural as breathing. Not just money, but other resources like time, effort, a joyful attitude and a heart willing to love others, not condemn and judge them. Many people do live day-to-day with an attitude of generosity and they act on their better impulses. Many others would like to be able to give more, but time and money can be in short supply when our lives are often busy with our own families and obligations.
So, why not start a new tradition of marking the 25th day of each month as a day to do something extra-nice for someone, to volunteer somewhere or otherwise make a real effort to have a positive impact on the community? Doesn’t it seem like the kind of idea which is in line with the message Jesus came to proclaim? Carrying with us the spirit of Christmas all year long, wherever we go, whatever we do, is a gift which truly keeps on giving.
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