Anyone who cares to scan my inbox will find several dozen “holiday” greetings from companies and agencies that regularly correspond with me. This is the 2008 evocation of what used be reams of cards, or (now going back several years) complimentary gifts of candy, CDs, clocks, pen sets, small works of art, calendars, ties, toys, and other novelties. All of it was unnecessary, and while it was appreciated I knew it was never heartfelt generosity.
This year, I was gladdened when a single e-mail message announced “Merry Christmas.” What a hopeful sign!
I understand why “Happy Holidays” displaced “Merry Christmas,” but I doubt anyone was ever touched by such a message. It’s a “safe” statement, but an empty one. While I would not wish “Merry Christmas” to anyone whom I know celebrates Hanukkah or another holiday, neither do I worry that I’m offending anyone with my greetings. Such worries would indict my sincerity.
On the other hand, if the folks who send “Happy Holidays” greetings are actually wishing me “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Happy New Year,” why don’t they say so? Why should there be any offense — suspected, or detected — in such a message?
Irving Berlin (it’s reported) did not celebrate Christmas, but that didn’t mean he could not appreciate, and express, what is so beautiful and comforting about it. No doubt it was expressed and shared with him.
In this current age we aim (in order to maximize our social and commercial advantages) to be accepting of all differences and choices, and yet we deny each other and ourselves the simple truths that are conveyed by a sincere greeting. Even people who will not celebrate Christmas in the coming week no doubt will enjoy an unexpected gift or a warm greeting. Even more may find some relief and comfort in the peace that settles over much of the world on that day.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere we associate with Christmas is denied to us if we pretend it’s just a “holiday.” In an age when we congratulate ourselves on our diversity, it shouldn’t be necessary to sublimate messages meant to draw us closer together.
The anxiety that grips the news and has filled our pages and my writing for the past several months will not last, because the human spirit cannot survive on fear. If the past decade has demonstrated anything it is that the human spirit is indomitable. Laws, tyrants, and terrorists cannot suppress human creativity. We’ll see that widespread anxiety has even less staying power.
Turmoil in business and government institutions is the effect of organizational malfunction. Organizations that do not reaffirm their purpose will falter, but those that do so will thrive. And, such successes will be the work of individuals, people acting with creativity and sincerity.
So, while this Christmas season may be less exuberant, less celebratory than many in the past, I believe it’s also hopeful in a way that’s been missing for several years. We’re on the verge of a new era of sincerity.