During the Christmas holiday it’s customary among Christians and others to extend a “Merry Christmas” greeting. There’s no harm in doing so, it’s like wishing someone a “Good Day”. I have Jewish friends to whom I wish “Happy Hanukkah” during the holiday of their belief, and they graciously wish me a “Merry Christmas” in return. It’s a way of wishing someone well while respecting their respective beliefs.
I know a guy, let’s call him John, to whom I extended a “Merry Christmas” greeting and received a “Yeh, You to” in return. I noticed that he didn’t say Merry Christmas and thought it odd. I extended the traditional greeting a second time, and again he failed to say Merry Christmas. Not being bashful, I said, “OK, you’re either a Jew, a Hindu or a Muslim…which is it?” He said, “I think I’m an atheist.” To which I asked, “Then who is it in your non-religion who will punish you for wishing me a Merry Christmas?” I didn’t wait for an answer; I just walked away.
When I was a kid we had a not-so-complimentary saying for people who were so hung up on being so correct that they couldn’t participate in commonly practiced sayings or activities. We called them “tight asses”. Today we call them “polically correct”. To John and others who are so “tight assed” they can’t wish someone a Merry Christmas, I suggest they consider just what the Christmas season can mean for so many.
Shop-With-A-Cop
I had the pleasure of participating in two events that I think John and people like him should consider. The first was “Shop With a Cop” sponsored by the Optimist Clubs. This is an Optimist Club tradition that is spreading across the nation. There are several such events in Maryland. I’m a member of the Hereford and Timonium Optimist clubs. These clubs along with the Cockeysville and Jacksonville clubs had a program for 104 kids this year. With the help of the local police departments and Walmart, underpriviledged kids from around Baltimore City and County are treated to a shopping spree. Each kid is picked up by a cop and given a ride in a squad car complete with siren and flashing lights and taken to Walmart in Cockeysville to shop for Christmas presents. The squad cars arrive at Walmart in a long line with lights flashing.
Squad Cars Arrive
Each kid is accompanied by a cop and as they approach Walmart they pass through a line of Optimists and are greeted. The Optimist Clubs donate a $100 gift certificate for the kid and give them to the cop so he or she can help with the shopping.
Meeting the Optimists
As they enter the store Walmart gives each kid a toy and Walmart employees greet them with applause. Walmart had a band nearby playing Chritsmas carols.
The Band Played Christmas Carols
Each cop has $100 for his kid, but if they run short Walmart and the cops themselves kick in a few bucks to make up the difference. The kids often spend the money on family members and have to be encouraged to spend some on themselves. For some of the kids this is the only Christmas present they’ll receive.
The Shopping Begins
Santa’s Helpers Anonymous
Santa’s Helpers Anonymous started out as a small venture of a philanthropic couple who cooked turkeys, wrapped gifts, packaged canned goods, etc. using money from their own pockets. There were only a few recipients at the start, but the venture has expanded to 804 families this year. Needless to say, charitable contributions help cover the cost, though I understand the founders still reach into their pockets for a considerable amount. I won’t name them out of respect for their desire to remain anonymous.
My wife and I had the pleasure of working with these fine people this year. My wife really jumped into this and helped raise money and recruit volunteers. She helped prepare packages and work with me to deliver gifts, food and turkeys to needy families in the city and county. I wasn’t surprised at my wife’s enthusiasm, she has a heart almost as big as Santa’s and that of his anonymous wife.
It all starts with the purchase of a lot of turkeys and other food, gifts, blankets, toothbrushes and anything else that would be of help to people in need. The next step is to arrange the cooking of 804 turkeys (about eight tons) with the help of various restaurants around town. Then there’s the wrapping of thousands of packages.
At an anonymous warehouse the work begins…
Anonymous Warehouse
Hundreds of Elves are recruited to help pack boxes and wrap gifts…
Packing in Progress
Elves A-Wrapping
With the wrapping done, everything is ready for Christmas Eve…
Waiting for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve – hundreds of Elves volunteer to deliver the gifts…
Elves Everywhere
My wife’s truck all loaded and ready for delivery…
Loaded and Ready to Go
My wife and I delivered eight turkeys, eight gallons of milk, eight pounds of butter, four boxes of groceries, four bags of wrapped gifts, bread and other goodies to twenty kids and adults. You should have seen the look on their faces…it made it all very rewarding.
So, the next time you say Merry Christmas and some atheist refuses to return the greeting, remember he’s the one missing out. Christmas is more than a religious holiday. It’s a day of friendship, sharing, kindness and generosity.
Merry Christmas everyone, even all you atheists. A special Merry Christmas to Anonymous Santa and Mrs. Claus – thanks for letting us help.
