Between 1998 and 1992, together with my wife and three children, I lived in Laos, South East Asia. Laos is one of the last five communist states on earth, and also one of the poorest ten countries. Christmas time was an interesting time in Laos. Christmas day is an ordinary working day. For not only the communists but for the largely Buddhist population, Christmas just does not exist. The office staff expected to work on Christmas day. When I expressed surprise at somebody planning a field visit on December 25th, they were puzzled. Around the town there was literally no sign of Christmas in the shops, the market or on the streets. In this “non-atmosphere” of Christmas our family discovered what Christmas was all about. We had to create Christmas for ourselves and our fellow Christian friends from other countries. There was little pressure on us from the children about presents. We had to explain about Santa Claus to the younger two. They had no idea what to ask for, so we went on a shopping expedition to Thailand to expose them to some toyshops so they could get an idea! A couple of items having been identified they were surreptitiously purchased, and appeared mysteriously under the Christmas tree (in reality large banana leaves) on Christmas day. Midnight Mass was at the small Catholic Church in the city centre, and afterwards there was a party in the church grounds – soft drinks, fruits and cake. Christmas dinner saw families inviting in unattached friends and the odd visitor who was passing through. There was also praying around the crib with the children of all denominations, and teaching Christmas carols and the Christmas story to the children. When that first Christmas was over we thought it was idyllic – no pressure, no harassment, just families and friends and the local church celebrating the birth of Christ! We were infused with the true meaning of Christmas. Isn’t it ironic that we had to go to one of the last bastions of communism to find it! In subsequent years things began to change. On our trips to Thailand, also a Buddhist country with, at that time, a looming, capitalist economy, we had noticed the beginning of a Christmas “season”. This manifested itself through signs such as “Seasons Greetings”, images of Santa Claus with snow and holly. The large department stores had their display windows decked out on this theme, with a few reindeer thrown in. The style was very American, and totally commercial. What was quite disturbing was the total absence of the person of Jesus, either as an infant or otherwise. Even the name of “Christmas” did not feature. I found this very troubling. In communist Laos, we were free to make our own Christmas in a neutral environment. Here in Thailand it was as if Christmas had been stolen on us. One could not help but wonder is this the future for us all? As I wander through Dublin at this time, I see the similarities with Bangkok growing with each passing year. There will soon be two celebrations – that great commercial festival with its slogan of “Seasons Greetings”, and the more private family event of Christmas, similar to us Christians as Chanukah is to the Jewish community or Ramadan to the Muslins. Perhaps in the end it might be better that way, as it was in communist Laos where Christmas was stripped back to its essentials, and everyone was delighted with what they could give and what they received, in the true spirit of Christmas! Mr Justin Kilcullen Director, Trocaire. December 2003 |