Christmas 2024

Christmas is one of those times balanced between memory and expectation. For most of us, the days and weeks prior point toward that day and then, once it is passed, we look toward the new, leaving the past behind until it is resurrected next December.

It is unfortunate that we pile so much expectation onto the special days. Almost invariably, the day cannot fully live up to the idealized memory. Children live in such expectation, which they learn from adults, that they are overwhelmed emotionally. When extended family gathers, memories often influence the day so our emotions cloud what should stand on its own.

He was not yet three, just old enough to sort of grasp the basics of Christmas. The joy of family and friends welcoming him into our family meant a flood of presents. He had never experienced anything like it and, as the pile of new and exciting toys grew I could see in his eyes that he was stunned. It was too much. The love folks sought to convey overwhelmed him. A considerable number of the presents were removed to spread out over the coming year. Too much of a good thing defeats intention.

In Sweden, there is a modern variation of an old concept. Swedes have embraced the idea of “Lagom” which means “just enough”. The concept that human desires are insatiable and our craving leads to misery is very ancient. Hindu, Buddhist, and Greek traditions are filled with this idea.

Imagine the times when we sit down to a big helping of our favorite food. Maybe it’s pizza, or wings, or something truly disgusting like broccoli or fruitcake, something we really like. We begin eating, thoroughly enjoying each bite. Because we like it so much we devour more and more until we reach that one critical bite and desire turns into “ugh”. We went a bit too far and what was desired becomes anathema.

It is sort of contrary to human nature, but is still possible, to reflect upon what we already have in life, sufficient food, clothing and shelter, sufficient money to take care of our needs. That is lagom, enough. We can, we really can, pause and simply appreciate what we have rather than poisoning ourselves with desire for more.

It is worth remembering that Joseph and Mary were relegated to the stables to find shelter was because they were, in the eyes of the world, nothing. The innkeeper was kind to send them to the little hillside caves where the animals were corralled. Had they been wealthy, room certainly would have been found. They came bringing a blessing but it wasn’t of the kind that was honored in the reckoning of the world.

A gift we can give this year is one which requires no expense, no fancy wrapping. We can express to those near and dear to us, recognition of what they mean to us. To give the gift of appreciation may well be the greatest gift of the season.