Festive season is almost here in all its glamour and kitsch. Shopping malls are packed with gift-hunters, there are numerous occasions to celebrate it with co-workers and business partners, and the lights and decorations are glittering everywhere. My sweetest memories of the festive season rise from the times, when I was an anxious child fighting with my siblings to know who will have the honour to put the Christmas lights on the tree at Christmas Eve. But I grew up, the times have changed and so have I. I am extremely honoured to be invited to the fancy events, to receive more or less adorable gifts and send best wishes to many people. Yet-
is that all what's left from the Holiday Spirit?
No, I still have my friends and family to show appreciation in this special season. As for being an obedient consumer, I buy them gifts. So I went to a shopping mall ...
There it was- with the shimmering tree in front of it with some abstract decorations ... Hardly did I go into the mall and another trauma occurred- soft animals as Xmas decoration bowing their heads, Everywhere my eyes have reached- OMG, please NOT- a Christmas tree, over packed with all sorts of kitsch-hideous decorations ... And it was not even December (for I do not know whom) sake. Whereas it is true, that when I was living aboard, I have experienced the Christmas aesthetic trauma at the beginning of November not only in shopping malls, but also in media, the Darwinists would say that I will eventually accustom to that, it still makes me wonder:
is it Jingle Bells or Jingle Money?
Never, ever, ever would I be willing to accept the idea that the Roman holiday of life has become just another money making construct, one of the best one of them all.
In fashion, aesthetic, industrial design, marketing, as well in consumption as a driver of all previously mentioned field, to me, very appealing trend has been present for the last decade and has finally boosted up in the recession times. It is called minimalism and its slogan is "back to the basic functionality" without excessive bullshit, if possible, please. Holiday was initially to spend quality time with our dear family and friends, to recover from all the working efforts and enjoy some introspection in the marvellous peace and silence. For sure, gift-giving is an important part of our culture, some claim, it is even older than communication. But gift-giving is not about visiting shopping malls, spending enormously to impress someone or simply to show off and witnessing the momentum of lights and other Christmas decoration.
So this is what I am going to do ...
I will buy symbolic personalized gifts for the once close to me, or make them on my own- unfortunately there is not enough time left to hand-craft for everyone and I never said I am very talented at that, but the rest of the money reserved for gift-hunting will go to charity. Intermezzo- no one on this planet will convince me that a plastic (please check the chemical structure of plastic) Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly than if a natural tree from which a bio-mass is made afterwards. The act of giving is not only to transfer the value to another person; it is truly fulfilling and joyful experience. OK, these thoughts made me calm again, so I can return to my regular work.
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful and fulfilling holiday season. Best regards,
Someone who is likely to give a lot of home-made marmalade and cookies away for Christmas.
Author: Maja Knehtl
Photo: SXC
