WHITE HOUSE Christmas 2005

[Smiling JOe]

Very good points, Mermaid. I know the White House is symbolic and I can see reasons for going all-out with the decorations.

Just as you say that the decorations may speak to the hearts of people during an otherwise bleak winter, imagine the smile on the face, or the warmth in the heart of someone, down on their luck who lost their job and their home, who is welcomed with open arms and a bowl of warm, hearty soup for one meal. Just imagine. Sure many hungry people who are fed a few meals will again be without in the future, but imagine the change in the lives of the people who just needed that warm and thoughtful boost. Their lives will be changed forever. I am not certain that the same can be said for us who simply see the decorations as beautiful to gaze our warm and mostly comfortable eyes upon.

I hear you loud and clear, but I do feel that there is another layer underneath. A grand celebration is fine, but let's remember that it should not bring pause to the cause of caring and the true sense of giving.


If you want to give me a gift for Christmas, take a warm coat to your nearest homeless shelter.

 

[Mermaid]

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield,
in whom my heart trusted and found help.
So my heart rejoices;
with my song I praise my God.

 

[Mermaid]

Very good points, Mermaid. I know the White House is symbolic and I can see reasons for going all-out with the decorations.

Just as you say that the decorations may speak to the hearts of people during an otherwise bleak winter, imagine the smile on the face, or the warmth in the heart of someone, down on their luck who lost their job and their home, who is welcomed with open arms and a bowl of warm, hearty soup for one meal. Just imagine. Sure many hungry people who are fed a few meals will again be without in the future, but imagine the change in the lives of the people who just needed that warm and thoughtful boost. Their lives will be changed forever. I am not certain that the same can be said for us who simply see the decorations as beautiful to gaze our warm and mostly comfortable eyes upon.

I hear you loud and clear, but I do feel that there is another layer underneath. A grand celebration is fine, but let's remember that it should not bring pause to the cause of caring and the true sense of giving.


If you want to give me a gift for Christmas, take a warm coat to your nearest homeless shelter.

That's what I said, SJ! Enjoy the celebration, AND share with the less fortunate. There's room for both; there SHOULD be both in this Christmas season.

 

[iwishiwasthere]

No Merry Christmas, but Psalm 28:7 and wishes for a holiday season of hope and happiness.

I do so wish the media printed the entire story, not just the spin they wanted. Thanks for correcting the misconception.

 

[BeachDreamer]

SJ, I was thinking the same thing about the expensive decorations when I watched the White House rerun last night. But I think that they actually have reasons for the way they do things. The White House is a world wide symbol of leadership and respect. The more breathtaking and elegant this symbol is, the more respect and awe the "masses" will have towards this country and it's leadership. While I would also rather see the money used for more productive purposes, I can understand the concept. If the leader of your country lives in a hovel, what does it say about your country? (Regardless of whether he spends his money in better areas.) Does that make sense? It's all about image. Image doesn't feed people, but it does have a definite impact in our society and in the world. That's why the Catholic church spent so much on their grand churches and elaborate decorations. They wanted their people to "see" the "glory of God". And the White House staff wants the world to see the power and integrity of the President.

Not saying I agree with it. I just know why they do it.

As for helping others, we are doing our part. We sponser a Compassion child year-round, and are sending money to several less fortunate families this year. Hard to think about buying people gifts when they need food.

 

[Rita]

Besides providing Christmas for a child through our church, for the last few years Bill & I have forgone gifts to each other and spent a family evening shopping with that money to provide for other "Christmas Angels". We make it a fun evening - shopping, eating out, wrapping the gifts ...
We feel it is good for our daughter to be part of this also. She needs to experience that feeling of giving too.

 

[BeachDreamer]

Our kids make boxes for Operation Christmas Child every year, which is a really neat program that sends shoe boxes full of gifts to children all over the world. Sometimes the recipient will even write back, and that's really exciting.

 

[Rita]

Our kids make boxes for Operation Christmas Child every year, which is a really neat program that sends shoe boxes full of gifts to children all over the world. Sometimes the recipient will even write back, and that's really exciting.

Jackie's done that the last couple years also. I like that program. And we can just take the shoebox to TARGET' and buy until it is full! Easy and fun.

 

[Smiling JOe]

BeachDreamer, while I hear what you saying about the White House being symbolic, the real question is how would other countries perceive us if our President lived in a modest home, yet all of the US citizens were fed and housed? Do you respect Saddam Heusen's (former) country more because the leader lived in many gold-filled mansions?

I know we are far from being there, but it never hurts to dream and take baby steps when possible. ;-)

I am so proud of you guys for finding something to get excited about for Christmas, as well as throughout the year. :clap_1: You guys are right, when you give, you receive.

 

[Rita]

.... Do you respect Saddam Heusen's (former) country more because the leader lived in many gold-filled mansions? .....

:scratch: Interesting comparison SJ. Hadn't thought about that ...... but it doesn't seem the same - decorating vs garishness.