December 2008
life size stories
An American in Europe
Bah, Humbug
by Robb Rosas
Tis the season
to be jollyÉ so the song goes, but is it really
true? The meaning of Christmas has become
confusing if not passŽ. I was hoping that in coming to Europe I would be in the
heart of Christmas traditions and find the true meaning of Christmas.
Most of American Christmas
traditions are intertwined with EuropeÕs. America Christmas diversion from the
traditional path were at first honorable. AmericaÕs evangelical road tried to
embrace the charity, family, warmth and comfort path. American developed its
own Christmas tradition by introducing songs and cute stories. Santa Claus
became widely popular. As American Christmas culture became popular it also
became commercialized.
Presents became AmericaÕs greatest
emphasis at Christmas time. Christmas developed into a time of obligation. Who
gets what and how much. Much of the retail business is done at this time of
year. American traditions have become distorted. The value of Christmas was
measured by what was on sale.
As time went by and America became
PC, political correct, the meaning of American Christmas got completely lost.
Christmas became homogenized. The greeting, ÒMerry ChristmasÓ
, a mere point of contention. Other groups wished to be recognized at
this time. All the greeting ÒMerry ChristmasÓ was
supposed to mean was peace and goodwill. This greeting was too complicated and
had to be changed to ÒHappy HolidaysÓ.
Some Americans have become
disenchanted with Christmas. They have become the ÒScroogesÓ of the season.
ÒBah HumbugÓ is their creed. They have withdrawn from Christmas completely. In
some regards this is an honorable choice, not to participate in the
commercialism or disingenuity of Christmas.
I had hoped that coming to Europe I
would find more of the traditional Christmas and spirits. Germany has one of
the greater Christmas hearts. It is steep in Christmas traditions. Almost every
tradition that we know in America has some essence if not direct links to a
German Christmas. The Christmas tree is thought to have originated in Germany.
While other European countries have winter festivals from which Yule logs and
festive ornamentation is also found, Germany has made the Christmas tree a
focal point. The well known song ÒO, TannenbaumÓ honors the tradition of the Christmas tree.
This song as well as ÒStille NachtÓ
have been adopted and translated by many cultures.
While America
has known for its brilliant exploitation of lights, the lighting-of-the-houses orginates also from Germany. The Erzgebirge in the Ore Mountains wanted to honor and
brighten the lives of the miners. The miners would go deep into the dark mines
in the morning and come out to the dark, short day in the afternoon. The
community had decided to put a festival of lights and had lit the streets,
shops and houses in order to bring some cheer to the miners. Pyramids were made
with candles to enchant the miners. Some of these traditions have not been
passed on to other culture, but lighting of the houses did catch on
Delving into the traditions, one can not forgo the tastes of Xmas; the dumplings with vanilla
sauces, the sweet meats, and hot spiced drinks. Like many of EuropeÕs tradition
alcohol plays a big role. Christmas was not a time to be skimpy with these old
traditions. Again, Germany has many wines, beers and food that are abundant
with spirits. It certainly provides an active ingredient for being jolly.
While I have found the roots of
Christmas in Germany, It still isnÕt as compassionate as the
non-commercialized, true meaning of American Christmas. There is no comparison
to American Charity. But not matter where you are, where you have been, the
spirit of Christmas is in the heart. While it is a Christian tradition and
celebration it means more than oneÕs belief. It is merely a pleasant feeling
and wishing to be among loved ones. To be thankful for what ever you have, life
at the very least.
So where ever you are what ever your faith, have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!