The View From Here . . .

By Bob Morgan, Jr.

The 2008 holiday season comes at a difficult time for many Americans. The economy is unquestionably in a recession, business is slow, and many layoffs have been announced. The stock market is down, substantially affecting retirement security of many people with 401(k) plans. Nor is the holiday spirit particularly enhanced by allegations of massive fraud on the financial markets such as the one allegedly perpetrated by Bernard Madoff.

Nevertheless, there are some plusses associated with the occurrence of the holiday season during relatively bad economic times.

At their core, Christmas and Hannukah are holidays with deep religious significance. For Christians, the story is of the coming of the savior in a humble stable in Bethlehem, after Jesus' parents were unable to secure room at the inn, with the child born surrounded by animals and poor shepherds. For Jews, Hanukkah, the eight day Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

It is not exactly an original observation on my part that the holidays often are a secular spending orgy, where the spirit of receiving far outstrips that of giving and the religious message is all but obliterated. A sad manifestation of that warped spirit, unfortunately, occurred last month in the case of the security guard who was trampled by Black Friday shoppers. And the holiday season seems to be growing in length, sometimes pushed back as early as Halloween.

While gifts are an essential part of the holiday tradition (it is always memorable to watch kids excitedly unwrap presents), they should be an adjunct to the main themes of the time - the religious ones plus fellowship with family, friends and indeed the world at large. For example, we extend greeting to those with whom we work, including people who may have helped us all year but aren't always recognized. Similarly, we frequently remember people who have provided services to us, as well as the poor and needy by contributing to charity. We also remember our close friends and relatives by visiting them, often traveling many miles to do so and sharing much time with them.

Now, during a time of recession, we have a little more of an opportunity to think about these important themes rather than simply focusing on the process of giving and receiving. Maybe, if our holiday gift budget is a little less expansive this year, we expend a little more time thinking about what our recipient really likes and how to find something for that person that will be better appreciated for its thoughtfulness rather than its pricetag. And maybe, when we have a friend or family member who has lost a job or been otherwise hit by the recession, we spend a little extra time at the holidays expressing our understanding, sympathy and generosity.

The essence of the holidays is not plasma tv's or any of the endless array of other pricey gifts we see advertised It is the deep and profound religious themes as well as the warmth and fellowship with our fellow human being and the opportunity to share the season with them. If it takes a recession to make us reflect a little more on that true meaning, so be it.

Best wishes to all for a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and a healthy and happy 2009.