Shades of CHRISTMAS

TEENeditorial

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

THE worldwide celebration of Christmas marks a time of happiness as carols are sung and the table is filled with delectable dishes to satisfy the taste buds of family and friends.

The tree is lit and with an array of gifts, faces are animated with looks of felicity as they unravel wrapping paper to find that perfect gift.

Amongst this season of plenty, it is hard to even conceive that there are those who are surrounded only by the warmth of streetlights and the only food is that for thought.

TEENage would like to engage you with a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the harsh reality some have to face in the absence of presents.

One shade of Christmas is the ringing of cash registers as a sign of booming consumerism. At the epicentre of Christmas is the concept of gift giving and people are spending top dollar for the latest high-end gadgets and splurging on the latest fashion trends.

As money exchanges hands, there is a mutual satisfaction of profit for product with both parties leaving with exactly what they came for. Hearty laughter can be heard around the rooms as the celebrations reach a crescendo with good food, good music and, of course, great gifts.

In stark contrast there is another shade of Christmas' which is dimly lit with hopelessness and a sense of neglect. There are those who find themselves spending Christmas in search of food instead of being afforded plenty.

Instead of buying designer wear they are deciding where to call home for the season. Their reality forces them to brave the night and day as children are made to come out even longer and later than usual to sell their wares, in the hopes that they can entice with their innocent faces for much-needed money.

These stories litter the streets and corners every day but their presence becomes more evident at Christmas Time. Their authors vary in age, but the one thing they have in common is the undeniable need for someone to share with them. One should not have to look on those less fortunate to find their sense of appreciation for the things that they have.

Christmas is a time where we draw our loved ones closer to us as a reminder that we have been blessed thus far. The true meaning of Christmas is hidden in the interpretation of the varied cultures that celebrate it but the main ideal is peace and joy extended to the human race.

We want to implore you to share your season's light with those who seemed to have lost theirs. A great way to spend the season is volunteering and giving of your time to assist in bringing season's greetings to those who could really use a touch of sincerity. You can go through your old clothes and shoes and pack a box for donation. You can also find out about the various treats set up to feed those who are less fortunate and donate your time or food. Donating to the Salvation Army is a great way to ensure that you can contribute to their monetary lifeline.

This Christmas share the blessing of your life with someone and remind them that there is always a greater purpose to live for. In the words of Roy L Smith: "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."

The TEENage team extends to you the warmest Season's Greetings and all the best for the coming New Year and let it be blessed and a blessing.

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Shades of CHRISTMAS