For me, Christmas lost its magic when I stopped believing in Santa. The songs and the decorations were nice, but it wasn’t the same. I began to notice things like the over-commercialization of what used to be my favorite holiday, the compulsive buying by consumers, etc. I just couldn’t get excited about it. That changed last night.
On Friday my family and I went to see the 8th annual “Christmas Celtic Sojourn” in Worcester, a show where Irish influences are worked into traditional holiday music. I had a great time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more sincere celebration of Christmas in my entire life. The artists were professional, the music was beautiful and there was absolutely no mention of Santa or presents, both of which I’ve decided are modern inventions intended to make people spend money.
The show itself wasn’t what made me change my mind, however. Out of all the songs played that evening, the one that moved me the most was “Christmas in the Trenches.” Hearing it performed live actually made me tear up a little. If you’ve never listened to the piece, I’d suggest doing so. Composed by John McCutcheon, it is based on an event WWI historians have dubbed “the Christmas truce.”
This unofficial truce between German and British soldiers was completely spontaneous. On Christmas eve, 1914, both sides suddenly stopped shelling each other, put down their weapons and started singing carols. After a few songs, they all walked out into the mass of mud, barbed wire, shell holes and dead bodies that was no man’s land and proceeded to laugh, drink and trade souvenirs. In the midst of the bloody world war that was spreading like a blight across most of Europe, these combatants were able to set aside their differences and come together to celebrate. This, I think, is what Christmas is all about. Not the gifts, not the lights, Christmas is just about spending time with other people.
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