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Across the Fence: … and Peace on Earth

December 18, 2020 By Susanne Bacon

Apart from this pandemic to end that has cost so many lives already, what do we most wish for these days? Apart from the stuff that we can buy with money … I think, the angels’ Christmas message in the Bible puts it pretty close to what every other religion in the world makes their claim, too. Peace on Earth.

Christmas often sends us into a maelstrom of most un-Christmassy behaviors. (Photo: Olena Serienko @ unsplash.com/)

These days, we are entering another period of holiday frenzy. In some parts of this nation, there are lockdowns in place. And between the limitations we experience and the holiday stress, political rifts and traditional prejudices, the nerves of many of us lie in tatters. Although we SHOULD experience the joy of Christmas whether we are believers or not. Instead, we hear of armed clashes between groups of what I dare call individual whims, of police having to interfere, of harsh words against people of a different opinion. And the Christmas message seems to fall on a lot of deaf ears.

How can we change this? How can we achieve this mighty not-to-be-bought peace?

I think we need to slow down a lot and ponder what creates happiness for us and what creates stress. Could we simply not overthink the outer appearance of Christmas or any other holiday we might be celebrating? Is it really about lights, glitz, and making one’s bank account scream? Can simpler work? Could we take ourselves down a notch and not try to be perfect for our family and friends? I think perfect people are rather intimidating, by the way. We don’t have to clean the house while baking a dozen different kinds of cookies, designing the perfect Christmas decoration, and getting the most luxurious gifts in the now most crowded stores.

A walk in a park soothes the soul.

How about we take a breath and sit back? Take a walk in the winter air? There are such beautiful areas around. Only recently, my husband and I discovered another park in the area and enjoyed an afternoon’s sunshine, walking through woods and wetlands. Or take up a book and read – maybe even to somebody else? Or sing along a CD or play an instrument – even better: perform music together with our family? Light a candle and think of childhood Christmases? Share these memories? Write them down for our family?

Taking speed out of the holiday preparations removes a lot of stress – which again creates a much friendlier atmosphere. Everybody needs friendliness. Love. If we think outside our individual selves, do we like others enough? Love them enough? Cherish them enough? When was the last time that we praised somebody’s work genuinely? Or told them they looked nice? Or how much we appreciate them in our lives? It’s a small gesture that may cause another person to feel warm. And that person might feel encouraged to hand that good feeling on to others.

Indeed, if we cared that everybody else wants to be loved and cherished just like we are, that might make for a strong beginning. A friendly hello to a passer-by on a sidewalk instead of glaring at them because they are walking too slowly or wear clothes that don’t fit our bill or … A smile that crinkles your eyes above your mask. A helping hand to reach something for somebody too small or disabled in a supermarket. A “Thank you, and Merry Christmas” to those who deliver our Christmas mail. I’m sure, everybody could make a list of how we can spread friendliness that doesn’t cost us more than moving a few facial muscles or a supportive hand.

Everybody’s basic needs are the same. (Photo: Michael Fenton @ unsplash.com/)

And if we remember that what we deem our rights might diminish the rights of others, maybe we can compromise and find ways of communicating again instead of blasting obdurate slogans into each other’s faces. Or insults. Or even arm ourselves to our teeth.

We all want and need peace. And it starts in ourselves. So, let’s relax and look for the true meaning of Christmas. We can do it – if we let everybody be a little less perfect and feel a little more loved.

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About Susanne Bacon

German-American journalist Susanne Bacon is also the author of the Wycliff novel series (available in local bookstores or on Amazon). The latest, published in 2020, is Suddenly Snow. Her Suburban Times column “Home from Home” is also available as a book now. Its German title is “In der Fremde daheim". She lives with her husband in Lakewood, Washington. You can contact her at Facebook. If you are interested in an express delivery of Susanne's columns, subscribe to her Bacon's Bits email, delivery free to your inbox. Click here to sign up.

Comments

  1. Jaynie Dillon Jones says

    December 18, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    I’m not a songwriter, but if I were, that last line would be the title and the theme of an anthem, a carol, a hymn for the ages:

    “Be a Little Less Perfect and Feel a Little More Loved.”

    • Susanne Bacon says

      December 18, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      Neat idea, Jaynie. In order to get a better rhythm, I should have replaced “little” by “bit”.

  2. K. Boyle says

    December 18, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Susanne, this is a wonderful piece of writing and wisdom. Thank you. K. Boyle

    • Susanne Bacon says

      December 19, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Thank you so very much, K. Merry Christmas to you!

  3. JOHN LEECH says

    December 19, 2020 at 9:19 am

    Love this Susanne. Thank you. Peace and Merry Christmas

    …and I learned a new word ‘obdurate’ 😉

    • Susanne Bacon says

      December 19, 2020 at 9:45 am

      Thank you, John, for your kind words!
      Peace and a Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family, too.

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