You know, I thought I could handle my first Christmas away in the Peace Corps, but it's been a hell of a lot harder than I imagined. But damn I miss y'all!
Somehow, my budgeting went awry and I've been broke and hungry the past week. That probably added to the fact that I missed home. Honestly, if I had left my computer closed for a week I would have had no idea it was Christmas. As I've said before, we don't have fall or winter here, I'm sweating just typing this. Without winter weather it doesn't really feel too much like Christmas. But because I was surviving on eggs and water the past week I had nothing better to do then watch Elf over and over and follow friends' comment about Christmas online. Cue loneliness.
While I sat around indoors trying not to exert myself too much, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Here I was bitching at only having six eggs a day to eat and yet that is more than most people in the world. I still have a bed to sleep in, a computer to keep me busy, music, shelter, clean water, loving friends, a beautiful place to live. Millions of people around the world have none of that, no Christmas ham, no Christmas tree, no food, no water, oppression, cold, the list goes on. Usually, I get uneasy around Christmas time because of the what it has become in modern society. I, like most people, hate the wanton use of money and gift giving, people who ask for so much, kids that are upset when they don't receive a certain gift, people who are already so blessed and don't realize it. I'm not saying gift giving and Christmas is evil, I just think it has lost a lot of its meaning. So I sat around this past week, perhaps a step closer towards what I always felt about Christmas, and I was disgusted with myself. I decided, you know what, yea things might suck for me a little bit right now, but not nearly as much as most of the world, I am going to attempt a 24 hour fast on Christmas Eve to have a better, albeit small, glimpse of what some people deal with around this typically joyous holiday. This wasn't a plan to save Christmas, I'm no saint, and this wasn't some attempt to boycott Christmas and greed, truly I just wanted to experience a part of life through the eyes of the people that are forgotten on Christmas day.
True confession: I only lasted 18 hours... One of the other volunteers hollered that the government finally paid us so I used whatever pocket change I had left to head to the bank and grocery store before they closed for the holidays. That 24 hour fast would have turned into 4 day one had I not. I was weak, and terribly hungry. But the 18 hours were nice, they were peaceful. I think the 24 Hour Christmas Eve Fast is a new tradition I am going to keep up. It is a nice way to stay humble amidst all the chaos and anticipation of Christmas.
So my call to you this Christmas is not that "y'all suck for giving/receiving presents and eating tons of food", you can do whatever the hell you want, that actually sounds like a good time. Just take a minute to remember the people that make sacrifices for Christmas and every day of the year. Not me, not people who cut back a little on the gift giving, not your crazy uncle who promised not to drink this Christmas. I'm talking about people who are out in the cold/heat with no shelter, no food, no love, the men and women who serve their country and are stationed far from their loved ones. You think there's a mark on your Christmas because something was missing on the dinner spread, or because the economy is "tough"? Relish what you have, who you have. The reason for the season isn't some baby in a manger, it's not about getting presents, it's not about which pagan or ancient religion has ties to Christmas. It's a season of love, of family, of blessings, of realizing who you are and what you have, realizing what you are capable of and understanding that you can do something to share the spirit of Christmas with those people that make sacrifices every damn day. I know this isn't new to you, my friends and family haven't been blinded by dolla dolla bills y'all, but it is oh so easy to forget this during the holidays. Celebrate the holidays however you want, just take a minute to reflect on what you have and what a lot of people in the world don't have. Maybe even do something about it if you want. The world is full of nice things, but is also full of love. Give love on Christmas day.
Sending my love to everyone!
Right, so about the post office. Because I was rather short on cash the weeks leading up to Christmas, I've been hoarding letters and gifts. I'll head to the post office on Wednesday or Thursday to get my affairs in order. So if you sent me something a) you're too damn kind! b) I'll pick it up next week if it is here already and make sure to give you a call. Jman, your gift will be on its way soon and it is suuuper awesome. Mumsey & Big Pop, don't worry, your letter is coming. Taylor, your letter is coming as well, and it's pretty long so get excited, there's also a letter in there for Erin, try not to lose them yea?
Brice
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