Buddhism and Christmas

As a Buddhist, I don’t celebrate Christmas.  But as a Christian, I do.  Or, I mean, I have, as a child and even as a young parent.  My children are now all grown, and my household is just me, my wife, and our adolescent Lab Rumi.  And we got a tree this year, for the first time in 10 years.  Why?

Well, we’re not celebrating Christmas as Christmas.  We’re vibing with generosity, goodwill, friendship, joy, compassion, and a spirit of hope and inclusivity that we associate with Christmas.  And to be honest, I guess I’ve reframed the commercialism of Christmas by focusing on the generosity element of gift-giving.  There is also something hopeful about the lights strung on houses and front lawn trees, something energizing and joyful about the carols and seasonal music, mostly because of the pleasant childhood memories they evoke and the ease with which they help create a mental space of safety, of familiarltiy, and good mood.

I remember the Christmasses of my childhood as being loved by my parents, of visiting my cousins, of walking in the snow at night with them and returning to a house filled with joyful aunts and uncles.  It was never primarily--or even at all--about the religious significance of the holiday.

As a Buddhist, this holiday reminds me to be grateful for the present moment--the only moment--to be generous and kind, compassionate, joyful, and equanimous.