A Buddhist Christmas
My husband and I were both raised Catholic. Growing up, we both went to church every
Sunday, were baptized and confirmed, and took Communion. But somewhere along the line, each in our own
ways, we realized that God wasn’t really for us. Not to knock God by any means. Catholicism just didn’t fit our paths,
individually.
Completely unintentionally, I met a Buddhist teacher while
studying in
“Well, why don’t I go ahead and take all these gifts back,”
My dad said jokingly, looking towards the brightly sparkling tree, “I’m pretty
sure Buddha wasn’t into Christmas trees and presents and stuff.” I suppose he had a point.
Thankfully, our parents are supportive of our faith. And thankfully, we still participate in Christmas with both of our families, despite the fact that the religious meaning no longer rings true for my husband and me. To us, Christmas is cultural and moral as opposed to religious these days. Now that we have a kiddo, we are left trying to figure out how we’ll explain the meaning of Christmas to our kids. For our new family, Christmas will be something my husband and I create for our kids, using pieces here and there of the traditions we both know. And while this is exciting as our first born nears her first Christmas, it is also daunting to know that whatever traditions we begin, our kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
Whatever we decide, I feel fortunate that through the practice of Christmas in our families we’ve enjoyed the spirit of giving, supporting one another no matter, and the value in being together. However we choose to have Christmas in our household, I hope our kids learn from the moral lessons that Christmas has taught both of us. I am pretty sure the Buddha would approve of that.
This is an original post to Rocky Mountain Moms Blog. When Brie isn't busy meditating or prostrating, she can be found making light of life on her blog: Brie's Blunderings.
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