My family celebrates both Christmas and Solstice. We do so because those are the winter holidays that speak to us. We celebrate each holiday for our own reasons, and in our own way.
We celebrate Solstice because it reminds us that better things are coming.There is an end to the darkness, and light is just around the corner. For us "light"means different things each year. Last year, it was a reminder that my husband would not be out of work for ever. He was laid off around Thanksgiving and celebrating the coming longer days and increased light helped us to remain positive and hope for the best, and work toward finding the greatest good that could come out of the situation. This year, Solstice meant planning to meet our dreams, and achieve our goals in 2015. This year, Solstice for me was a reminder that I can, and should, make the changes to our family routine so that I can focus more on my writing and chase my dream to publish a novel. I gave up novel writing a long time ago in favor of writing non-fiction in order to provide for my family as a divorced mom. I've been remarried for roughly 10 years, and our youngest child is 9. Solstice this year reminded me that it's okay for me to write fiction and chase my dreams. This year, celebrating the light meant acknowledging and celebrating the good things that are on the horizon for my family.
When we celebrate Christmas my family is celebrating peace, hope, family, and our children. For us, it's a time to come together from all over the country to celebrate what holds us together - Love, care, concern, and trust. We do that in the traditional manner, Christmas tree, Lights, Christmas carols, and gifts on Christmas Day. Family, both biological and chosen, celebrate together. We don't donate or volunteer as part of our Christmas celebrations because we do both regularly, and often, throughout the year. Donating and volunteering are simply part of our lifestyle, so we feel no need to make special efforts around the holidays. Doing so would add stress and busyness to what I feel should be relaxing and fun.
Many years ago, I decided to stop serving the holidays I celebrate, and instead allow the holidays to serve my purposes. We must remember that holidays are created by humans, and as such have the job of serving us. So many people go about the holiday season trying to "do the holiday perfectly" that they forget what they are celebrating. In the mad rush to buy the right presents, or the personal stress to celebrate Christmas "correctly," they forget what and why they are celebrating. Maybe you celebrate a deeply religious Christmas, do you really think Jesus wants you to stress yourself out in celebrating His birthday? I did not,which is why I changed my focus at Christmastime.
What does this have to do with Libertarianism? Libertarianism is all about live and let live. It's about doing what is right for you and your family without trying to impede other's rights and abilities to do the same. Libertarianism is about living your life, on your terms, in your way, and respecting when other people do the same. I think Christmas is the perfect reminder of that way of life.
Merry Christmas , everyone.
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