That's What Christmas Is All About...

Good Tuesday to you all!

This is my 144th complete post of 2020.  I have two posts in draft form, which need more attention and will get posted eventually but they both need particular pictures or permissions, so while you await those gems, today I thought I'd talk a little bit about the meaning of Christmas.

It's hard to talk about Christmas in a public school because we are all about inclusivity, and not everybody celebrates Christmas.  We have students and families that Celebrate Hanukkah (Dec 10th-18th), Kwanzaa (Dec 26-Jan 1st), and the Winter Solstice (yesterday) which is why my goal is to teach and inspire in a more secular (meaning non-religious) way.  I simply wish to help educate you about the different philosophies or ways that people make connections to their faith, which can then be applied by anyone wishing to lead a peaceful and inclusive life-style.  

When I was in high school, one of my favorite classes, which I took during my senior year, was World Religions.  I went to a Catholic high school - uniforms, daily prayer, monthly mass, and lots of emphasis on Christmas and other Catholic holidays, but I was always impressed that our school, even way back then, offered a class about other religions.  We learned about Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and other denominations of Christianity.  (I know we probably learned about others too, but now, 30 years later, don't remember them.  There are plenty of others to explore though!).  Just the fact that this class was offered, was a symbol to me that the world is wide and made up of many different types of believers and non-believers too.  Each of these believers deserves our respect, tolerance, and understanding.  I was reminded that there isn't any one way to be in the world.   For me in fact, I believe that if we want to have a deeper connection to our faith-based traditions, a way to find that deeper connection is through love and acceptance of others.  I don't remember any of these religions that I studied preaching hate or intolerance.   Those individuals that do preach hate in the name of their god or gods are usually viewed as extremists who tend to look at the world through a very narrow lens clouded by intolerance.    

It is with all of this understanding that I talk to you about Christmas and its meaning.  It is not with any belief that Christianity is what everyone chooses to believe, but it is with the understanding that the underlying tenets of Christmas can be applied to Christian believers or to those who practice other religions as well.  The meaning of Christmas is about hope, and joy, and trust.  Whether you put that trust in some sort of higher power or supreme being, or you put that trust in your family and friends matters not to me.  I think Christmas is about believing in the goodness of others, and the power of your own convictions to lead you towards a more peaceful existence on this planet - not by making someone else believe the way you believe, but by accepting each other for who we are.  

Check out Linus' description of Christmas...

Linus reminds us that when we are afraid of things that are unknown, we shouldn't let that fear rule us.  He reminds us, especially at Christmas, whether you celebrate the religious trapping or the more secular (non-religious) traditions,  that the world is filled with joy for all people and that peace and goodwill are foundational tenants of this special and magical holiday season.   

So as I sign off for the year, I wish you and your families a peaceful and happy remainder of what has been and wild and difficult (at times) year!  I hope that in the new year, we can continue to support each other as a peaceful and inclusive Cougar Community as we continue to grow and learn together.  

Happy Holiday's everyone!  I'll be here for you again in the new year.  

Peace,

Mrs. Hempey