Editor’s note: We asked readers to share what keeps them nurtured and fulfilled during the holiday season. Here is the remainder of their letters.
Scene of good tidings
Everyone has their own Christmas list of customs, filled with warm, nostalgic, sharing things that give their holidays meaning. My own long-term practice of cruising after dark to admire outdoor decorations is a common one. But this exercise provided an emotional moment of even deeper import this season.
On a nearby side street are two neighboring homes. The more striking is a newer two-story brick house, festooned with large wreaths underneath the eaves in front and back. Numerous other touches bespeak a sizable upcoming electric bill.
Inside in the living room stands a tall tree bedecked with colored flashing lights, propped on a revolving turntable. Other areas are underlit in alternating red and green. This is all to match the footlights illuminating the exterior.
Super. Directly across the street in epic contrast is an older, smaller-frame house. Visible is only a simple tree in the front window, lit in plain yellow lights. Outside stand the figures of Mary and Joseph, with baby Jesus incorporated into the former. Both are lit from within by a single bulb; neither is much more than 2 feet tall.
That’s it. And yet, played off against the neighbors, it can knock a late-night Christian passerby flat.
Were anyone to ask the energetic, upbeat homeowners what Christmas is all about, it’s unclear how they might respond. There is no need with the humbler home residents; they’ve gotten the message. I get it. Homeowners farther down the block with other nativity scenes prominently placed outside, they get it. So did Charles Schulz in his ageless 1965 holiday special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
And to be sharing that sentiment with so many, well, for me that’s as inspiring as it comes.
— Tom Gregg, Niles
The message of Christmas
Christmas is not running to and fro buying presents for people who don’t need them. Christmas is giving to the poor and needy. It is not a tree in your living room but a walk in the woods to see nature as God created it. It’s not overeating and drinking, but filling the food pantries for the hungry. It’s not a man in a red suit but the worship of the son of God. It’s not bright decorated lights all over, but the light of Christ in our hearts, shining out to help others. It’s not hurting and abusing animals, but looking into their eyes and seeing the creator.
Remember Matthew 25:34: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” And Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Should we not reconsider what Christmas means, according to Jesus?
— Cynthia Barber, Algonquin
Connecting with sacred
My inspiration for the holidays is unique to me yet extremely universal. This year, I will be observing Christmas as I have my whole life, but Hanukkah, too, for the first time. I will be expecting a menorah as a Christmas present! The Christmas message, “peace on earth and good will toward men,” warms many people’s hearts, not only for Christians but for the whole world, and I have felt a need for a unifying message with Jesus Christ and also one that incorporates the other great world religions generously. In other words, I adore the idea of a peaceful co-existing with coherency.
In addition to Judaism and Christianity, I believe the angel Gabriel not only made the annunciation to Mary about the divinity of Jesus but also visited Muhammad in a divine way.
I also am trying to understand the East more; I’m learning how to do yoga this Advent, as well as learning from the religious “Nones” and Indigenous folks as best I can.
I hope one day we can celebrate who we all are and make “peace on earth and good will toward men” a reality.
— Benjamin Amenta, Flossmoor
Holiday labor of love
The sun was shining, but the temperature was in the teens on the afternoon after Thanksgiving. Despite the chill, our Optimist Club Christmas tree lot was teeming with families, a few dogs and an abundance of good cheer. Even when the line to have the tree bottoms freshly cut was seven deep, no one complained. One parent would wait in line while the other took the kids into our heated trailer for hot chocolate and a candy cane.
It’s challenging work for a short, 70-something person to show the trees, then tie them to the tops of those towering SUVs and minivans. My gloves had to come off to tie the knots, so my hands were numb all day. Yet, I look forward to the tree sale. It funds our activities, but more than that, most people have a story about the annual pilgrimage to find the perfect tree or how they plan to celebrate the holiday.
Those stories turn drudgery into a labor of love.
— Jerry Levy, Deerfield
Much to be grateful for
I would like to express my gratitude to all of the hardworking people I have encountered as I have shopped, eaten out, enjoyed the holiday festivities and generally participated in life during this busy time of year. Everyone from grocery store employees helping with turkeys and hams and other issues as well as servers who are extra-busy, people on telephones addressing shopping questions and those who are working the various shops small and large throughout town who have been nothing but cheerful, helpful and merry!
Almost everyone I’ve encountered has been warm and kind. It makes me so happy to be part of Chicago during the holiday season.
I’m also grateful to all the people who contribute so many items such as toys, clothes and food to various nonprofit organizations and those who help homeless pets in need.
Lastly, I am grateful to the Tribune for publishing its insightful articles and holding our government to account. I’m grateful for the City Council members who worked hard to push against the mayor’s budget, and reluctantly, I’m grateful to the mayor for his willingness to compromise.
‘Tis the season!
— Clare Connor, Chicago
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.