Buddhists at Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, I’m sure a lot of you budding Buddhists are wondering what to do with your holiday, given your faith. Obviously, at the heart of Buddhist teachings we know not to seek happiness within material gifts and objects which, let’s face it, Christmas has become all about.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s still about love, kindness and family (and Jesus obviously, depending on your outlook), and where love and kindness exist, Buddhists thrive like bees in a honey factory. Just because our faith isn’t designed to celebrate Christmas in the same way as others that doesn’t mean we have to spend all twenty-four hours of December 25^th hiding in the shadows of our Bodhi trees. This is on opportunity for us to make a difference for people. Whilst Christmas may not be as strong a force in our lives as others, we can still make it count.

For those of you who are a little unsure on how to address Christmas, here’s some pointers.

1.       Buddhists can still give gifts

There’s nothing stopping you, as a Buddhist, from giving or even receiving gifts. Sure, you might not go for something as lavish or expensive as others, but the real beauty in a Christmas gift is making it something meaningful or sentimental. Don’t just grab some flowers from the gas station or pass on some chocolates you won at bingo. Use this as an opportunity to be creative, and show someone how much they mean to you without having to resort to binge buying on Amazon.

2.       Not everyone has a Merry Christmas

Whilst Christmas is obviously a time to be happy, merry etc. remember that some people aren’t having such a great time. Some people are homeless, in hospital or grieving for those they may have lost. Some people aren’t so well off that they can give their loved ones what they want. So if you really want to make it a Merry Christmas, help somebody in need. I promise you that it will make your Christmas merry as well.

               

This also, is not just limited to people. Make sure to be hot on the case of animal mistreatment over the holidays. This is the time of year that people forget that animals need as much care as we do. They aren’t, and never will be, just a ‘Christmas gift’.

3.       You might confuse people

Please be aware that for most people, Buddhism isn’t the norm, especially in Western countries. Try not to lose your mind with people asking you why you aren’t celebrating Christmas the same way they are. Be patient, and try to be informative about what you believe and why you believe it.

Other than that folks, have a very Merry Christmas! Spread as much cheer as you can! (That goes for the rest of the year as well though)

~Avazen