I refer to Yonden Lhatoo’s article “For too many in HK, the season
of giving offers only crumbs” (December 18), in which he raises criticism against
the spirit of Christmas. I would like to point out that his criticism is only
partly justifiable. In my opinion, it is how people celebrate Christmas that is
to blame, not Christmas itself.
I agree that Christmas has long been commercialized with excessive
consumerism, widening the gap between rich and poor. However, this is due
mainly to the misunderstanding about the spirit of Christmas. Christmas is the
celebration of Jesus’ humble birth in a manger. So it is by praying and
churchgoing that Christians praise and glorify the arrival of their savior.
Glamorous decorations and boisterous festivities are way off the mark.
The spirit of giving associated with Christmas means generously
sharing our possessions with those in need. Visits to the poor and the sick are
encouraged as sacrificing time for the needy is a loving act of giving, too. The
exchange of gifts among friends and families, though serving to spread the joy
of Christmas, should not, therefore, lead to luxurious spending.
Instead of being “something as magical and complex
that cannot be fully explained by, or limited to, the mapped brain activity
alone,’ as quoted in Yonden Lhatoo’s article, the genuine
spirit of Christmas is understandable and can be easily put into practice.
By no means is Christmas humbug!
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