Maybe I’ve had too many Christmas mince pies, but I’ve been thinking about how, for many families (including my own), Christmas can sometimes lead to stress and unrealistic expectations of what we provide for our families over Christmas. I had an experience that I imagine many of you can relate to. On Christmas eve my 16 year old daughter was saying a prayer with her nana for peace for families around the world. At the time my 13 year old nephew, who was staying with us, joined in and prayed for Santa to visit his house.
It may have been the timing, but there was something in his desperate tone that affected me. This moment confronted me with the reality that in our society many assume that at 13 you’re all grown up and are probably more mature than the last generation, but the reality is the reverse. Their insecurities are even greater than before. It left me thinking that we have a responsibility to create our own New Zealand celebrations, ones that acknowledge how special we are and that are not based on material things that we give or receive.
I don’t tell the story because it was sad; I could respond to his hope. I shared it because, in our work at the Women’s Centre, we see many a person, children and adults who like my nephew, feel insecure based on the fact that they are unable to fully join in our society’s idea of christmas and because of this they often feel less deserving on many different levels. When I think of the hard times ahead in this recession I wonder how we will get through it together. I really hope our society can carve out a way forward that will value people, their lives and their contribution, big or small, to society.
So with all that said tis the season to be jolly and I would really like to acknowledge all the philanthropic trusts that have made a commitment to still financially supporting communities through the hard times ahead and I wish to express my gratitude. This genuine humility must be rubbing off on the media because they have been showing so many good news stories of how New Zealanders have enjoyed less traditional ways of sharing the Christmas spirit together.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season I hope you all enjoy lots of sun filled days and time in the great outdoors.
