Splash No. 132 - Christmas
Christmas
The houses look a bit different, newly adorned with varying collections of lights and wreaths and reindeer and elves. Everyone starts to adorn sweaters, as the trees shed their remaining leaves. The nip in the air hints at the possibility of a forthcoming snowfall. And before you know it, it starts to feel a lot like Christmas.
My favorite thing about Christmas is that the entire world seems to agree that everywhere should have the same atmosphere for a while. Radio stations play the same few Christmas carols, television channels show the same few Christmas movies, and shelves get stocked with the same few items: hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, apple cider. In the past, even when I’ve had Christmas dinner in a Waffle House or wherever else, the day feels special.
Beyond the atmosphere, Christmas is among the nobler holidays — a cultural celebration of generosity, community, and family. It’s a rare day where we’re not meant to think of ourselves as individuals competing with each other but rather as a community of people supporting each other. We take in joy in giving to others, revel in each others’ companies, and find joy in the darkest and coldest days of the year.
In light of everything that 2020 has shown us, the movies and the music look a little bit different. As much as I want to just revel in the beauty of decorations and listen to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December,” feels more relevant. The speaker sings, “my little girl don't understand/Why daddy can't afford no Christmas gift,” a sobering reality that affects more people this year than ever before. And as I watch It’s a Wonderful Life, I’m inspired by the townsfolk who come together to support their friend against the malevolent and avaricious Potter, and I wonder how we could reproduce that Christmas spirit. How could we come together to help our friends, met and unmet, this holiday season?
I’m blessed to celebrate these holidays with my loved ones, able to get everything we need. Unfortunately, many folks aren’t so lucky, with no hope of getting any help from the federal government. I’m planning to donate to the Metro Atlanta Mutual Aid Fund to support the marginalized folks in the city that has given me so much. I’d be delighted if you’d consider doing the same or finding a local mutual aid fund to support. I hope that we all have a safe and warm and fulfilling holiday season.
Drops of the Week
EP - If We Make It Through December by Phoebe Bridgers - a wonderfully melancholy take on the Christmas album. Best listened to in a car on a dark December night.
ARTICLE - "So You Want to Get Involved with Mutual Aid" by Amanda Arnold - solid primer on what mutual aid is and how you can get involved!
FILM - It's a Wonderful Life - I read this book in a single day. Incredible novel told in a unique way.
The new president may not be a white supremacist, but there's still work to be done. With each day, we move closer to a more equitable world. Reminders:
Ways you can help Mutual Aid Networks
Anti-racism resources
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Ho ho ho,
Nikhil