In the spirit of the real St. Nick

            Along with the flurry of a commercialized Christmas, or which I have a love-hate kind of relationship, there also come some real moments of generosity at this time of year.

            Christmas does tend to bring about the best in humanity, as it should.  There is an underlying them of positive goodwill that makes us all realize, it’s indeed better to give than to get (although getting is okay too, in my humble opinion).

            Individuals today and throughout history have amazed us with their generosity and self-sacrifice, people we typically want to emulate in our daily lives.

            Unsurprisingly, the legend of Santa Claus is built upon this very theme of selflessness.  The original St. Nicholas (so the Internet tells me) lived in the fourth century in modern-day Turkey.  He gave away most or all of his inherited wealth to help the poor and sick.  Over time, his life of self-sacrifice earned him the sainthood, becoming a legend throughout Europe over 1,000 years after his death.

            His life wasn’t as magical as the jolly bearded version of St. Nick who lives at the North Pole, but it is incredible the impact his simple life had on generations after him.

            Certainly even the little things we do for others can hold significance.  The other day I was quite surprised by how much my daughter remembered about last year’s Christmas.  This day of great anticipation was remembered in detail for its customs and traditions, even if we just happened to make some of them up that year.

            Driving around the city to look at lights on Christmas Eve?  Oh yes, we’ve always done that… for the last couple years anyway.  And we were reminded that we did that after gift-opening, not before.

            In the same way, those in need tend to remember quite clearly when they’ve been provided aid.  As gift-givers, we may not give it much thought when we help someone out, but the recipient will always remember.

            Thankfully, our society still places an emphasis on helping those who are in need.  Food banks, shelters and soup kitchens tend to attract more volunteers and donations around Christmas than any other time of year. 

            It would be quite easy to neglect those in need in our affluent society, basing it on the view that even the poor in Canada are rich, relatively speaking.  Or to take on the stance that those who don’t help themselves, shouldn’t be helped.  Doesn’t it create a culture of dependency, after all?

            These views may be held by the most devoutly religious, of all people.  I confess to make these judgments myself when I assess whether someone should be helped or not.  But the simple reality is that we have not walked in the shoes of those in need. 

            A small town near where I grew up recently established its own food bank.  One might think that a food bank is not necessary in small town Saskatchewan, but clearly the demand is there.  This Christmas, they gave out over 180 food hampers to families in need.

            My dad had the idea to start this food bank a few years ago, and while there has been some opposition, it’s been generally well received by the community. 

            More than just provide food, it’s given the volunteers an opportunity to relate and befriend those in and outside of the community who would otherwise remain strangers.  Those who come for hampers are also welcome to stay for coffee and visit.  People from very different backgrounds and cultures have a unique opportunity to understand one another better.

            I’m sure the real St. Nick would wholeheartedly approve.