David Cheah
Friend of The Carmelites

I remember my first Christmas celebrations back in Malaysia where I grew up. As a child, I had always sensed the wonder of ‘holy’ days, knowing deep inside that every special day worth celebrating had spiritual roots.

Being Asian, food was always a big part of any celebration and that came as an added bonus. Those holidays were meaningful, significant and every childhood memory became seminal treasures. Dishes and types of food were unique to each celebration or season, which made the anticipation of celebrations so much more interesting and special.

Today unfortunately, consumerism and economic rationalization have all but killed the spiritual significance and integrity of such celebrations.

Political correctness has also crept in and insists on removing spiritual and religious significance of these ‘holy days’ - overtly and covertly. How absurd! Holidays have become days off from work, when you get a little bit of free time to do what you choose. Most would indulge in excess of all sorts the night before and sleep in the next morning. Gone are the holidays where celebrations are meaningful and significant.

For me and my family, I make it a point for my kids to know why we celebrate holidays - both spiritual and secular ones. Often we involve others. After all that’s what community is all about. For example, during the Christmas season, we would visit the city with friends and family and take in the celebration, the generosity, the gaiety and the visual experiences; anything that reinforces the spirituality and significance of the special day when we celebrate Jesus’ birth.

We sometimes seek out people from different cultures and celebrate with them, especially if it involves food. We had our first European Christmas with a dear friend and her family at their home a few years ago. There was so much love, food and joy; a real sense

of family. We feel the kids will never forget these occasions as they grow up in an increasingly hostile, adversarial and materialistic world.

There is a very wrong view that Christmas must either be religious or materialistic to be meaningful. I personally believe that if there is joy, peace and bonding in almost any context, we would have successfully celebrated Christmas the way it was meant to be, reconciling all creatures to God and each other. That is the true message of Christmas after all, isn’t it?

I like to teach my kids that true enjoyment comes from spiritual, community and family involvement rather that being swept up in the consumerism of such occasions. It is becoming more difficult to overcome the covetousness and craving for more stuff when all we need is grace, love and kindness.

Thankfully though, the world still celebrates Christmas as it should be. There are many opportunities to re-discover the true meaning of Christmas. Carols by Candlelight, Church plays, creative retail displays and Christmas themed movies are just a few examples of what we can engage with to show our kids what Christmas is all about.

May you seek and find the peace, joy and shalom with your loved ones this Christmas season.

David Cheah

Friend of The Carmelites