The Great Divide

Admittedly last Friday night I started to feel the 'xmas spirit' as my flatmate, Neds, and I put up our xmas tree. What fun and of course the inner child was somewhat released momentarily...

I remember those cool feelings of extreme excitement build as the day loomed closer... I remember organising carols with my parents and grandmother... writing out the lyrics to the songs on paper 3 times (for each adult) and tying the 'program' together with coloured wool. I would ring my bell to signal the start of the xmas eve carols and then proceed to play the piano while the 3 obliging adults sang along...

xmas' were always fairly quiet... but I didn't mind that and I still don't.

The day after my emotion-filled-tree-hugging episode I ventured to the local shopping mall to begin the task of buying stuff. I call it 'stuff' because that's what I refer to 'things' in life which take up more space and give me excitement generally for the period of carrying the bag/s around the shopping centre and then back to the car. Once it's home...I realise that I have to now care for this 'stuff' and find a new home for it. More and more stuff we accumulate in life.....

I tend not to do this anymore... unless absolutely necessary. What xmas is about is giving to others... buying stuff that hopefully chosen other's will enjoy and cherish for a few moments, perhaps longer...

However this particular day, as do most days of shopping...saddens me. Xmas, malls, money... all reiterate and highlight the great divide in our society. There was a man standing outside the mall, looking like he needed a good meal and shower busking all morning ...whilst young families, teenagers and the like, clip-clopped around in their Jimmy Choo sandals, wafting of Armani, sipping soy decaf's...

The scene again and again takes my breath away in life... highlighting the great social & economic divide of our world..... Ok perhaps not so extreme here in comparison to the other parts of the world suffering far far greater than not being able to purchase the latest Gucci handbag... but one man busking for a meal and there I am feeling really inadequate in wanting to spend money on more stuff.

This xmas my ... well, I shall call them my extended family... have decided that we won't give presents to each other but donate to a charity of choice. I'm struggling in making a decision. I would like to give to many and also give my time as I have done in the past. I much prefer the 'doing' than simply handing over money.

This time of year does make me grateful for all that I have in life... I have such abundance of everything, more stuff than I could ever need or use... I'm so so lucky.