December 26, 2008
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Christmas Ramblings
Merry Christmas. Yes it's been and gone, but it's still holiday time. Unless you're in Taiwan of course, where Christmas has yet to hit our imagination. Perhaps it's this affiliation with some Jewish kid they have not learnt about in their Buddhist classes, but for some reason, Christmas spirit lacks. Not that it is a bad thing - in this day of over-commercialised bull-poop, where the true spirit of Christmas has long been forgotten. Better to give than receive? Perhaps for the parents of wild children who will give anything to them just to keep them quiet. Why - after all - spend time with them and play with them like my parents did?
Our generation has grown up now, and the rat race has taken over. Long gone the playing football with the sons, the listening to daughters talk incessantly or taking them to horse riding. Today's children have all the material goods they could ever want, and none of the close relationships that they actually need.
I think my parents did a decent job with me. I was brought up to understand the difference between right and wrong. And I do. When I am doing something wrong, I know and understand that it is not right. Does not detract from the fun of it of course!
Being in Taiwan over Christmas is good for me - I don't have to celebrate, I don't have to do take part in some cultural celebration for a religion I want no part of. I don't even have to pretend. I can just get together with some friends, have a nice lunch, get back home and act as though it was any other day. Which - essentially - it is.
People in the west can have their Christmas celebration. Our neighbours to the south in the Philippines can have it too. The Koreans as well - all Christian nations. Their celebration is not the same as the over-commercial crap I grew up with, which no doubt has only become worse in the 17 years since I left.
The best thing about Christmas - FOOTBALL!
And the best thing about Christmas in Taiwan - a nice 1 week diving trip in Philippines! Very shagadelic!
Happy holidays.... and happy new year! See you in the next edition!
