Page 4 - Italian American Herald - November 2019

4 ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM | NOVEMBER2019 ITALIAN-AMERICANHERALD EDITORIAL
family traditions, have let these values go by the wayside at this most beautiful and holy time of the year. I am not Italian American but I have come to appreciate their traditions as well as those I grew up with. I wonder how Italian Americans and other Americans of various ethnic backgrounds can accept Santa Claus in stores before the Halloween Witch has time get out of the way of Santa’s sleigh. How can we accept shopping on Thanksgiving instead of being with loved ones?
Each year this commercialization of the Christmas season becomes more and more like a “new normal.” I think back to my childhood when times were simpler. While I do see some of the population pushing back, it does not seem to be enough to return to those times.
It seems to me that it is not necessary to have Christmas decorations all over the stores and on mail-order sites before Halloween trick-or-treaters have even had time to enjoy the fun and joy of Halloween. Why would any parent take a child to see Santa before the Friday after Thanksgiving? I remember waiting in great anticipation to see Santa arrive after the Thanksgiving Day parades. Taking a child to see Santa before this only enables businesses to blend this time of year
into a season that is anything but tranquil and traditional for most.
These two holidays do not belong
side by side for more than one reason. Primarily is the fact that Halloween, as we know it has no true religious significance, while Thanksgiving and Christmas are joyous religious and/or special celebrations venerated by most families. Without question, this push to “shop until you drop” speaks volumes about how corporate greed has negatively influenced family values, which were treasured by our ancestors.
My husband recalls the simplicity and sanctity of the season while growing up in South Philadelphia. At Thanksgiving, his entire family gathered to dine on a dinner with all the trimmings such as Italian escarole soup, lasagna, etc. The next day there was
a trip to Gimbel’s for the children to visit with Santa and for mom to size up the toy department. On Dec. 8, the day started with Mass and in the evening, they sat around the Victrola listening to Italian Christmas carols. It was not until the week before Christmas Day that gift shopping began. A dress for nonna, a pair of silk stockings for mom, socks for dad, and slippers for nonno.
Though times have changed our family, values should not. Enjoy the tradition of
gift-giving, but do not allow yourself to be influenced too heavily by the ever-growing commercialization of the Christmas season over making it the most cherished family gathering time of the year.
These values should be passed down to the next generations of Italian Americans. Thanksgiving should be a day families are together and not rushing off to the mall to get the best deals. This is not the “reason
for the season.” I understand that holiday gift giving is symbolic of gifts brought to
the baby Jesus on the first Christmas. What
I do not understand is why many Americans, Italian-Americans included, choose to put “shop until they drop” ahead of the season’s true meaning.
So what can we all do? This year skip
the mall on Thanksgiving, take more time to be with family and take a moment to enjoy the holiday with loved ones and “eat, drink and be merry.” Prepare to celebrate the rest of the holiday season with Italian Christmas traditions and pass them along to your children. Better yet, include an Italian tradition or two in your holiday this year. It could be the seven fishes on Christmas Eve, a panettone on your table to share or maybe even a game. Your children or grandchildren might also love a story in Italian!
Why would any parent take a child to see Santa before the Friday after Thanksgiving?
Step back from all the hype and pressure and enjoy what is truly important. Reflect on your blessings, treasure your family, help someone who is alone or struggling. Watch the look of wonder on your children or grandchildren’s face when they enjoy a moment of magic during the season. We can do something to keep or put back the “reason” for the season.
They are clinging hard to these traditions in Italy and we should, too! IAH
Coming to the Philadelphia area – Italian Family Law Workshops
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Based in Rome, for over 25 years Mr. Girardi and his firm has provided the required legal services to US citizens needing legal representation and services across the 20 regions of Italy. His presentation will discuss Italian law as related to estate inheritance, estate probate, wills, family lines of succession, Power of Attorney documents, bank accounts and money transfers, real estate transactions and dual US-EU citizenship. Visit our website at www.ItalyLawyerForAmericans.com for a full profile of our firm and the services we provide.
Tickets are $55.00 per person (includes dinner and personal/private legal consultation). THUR Nov 14th 630PM --- Gran Caffe L’Aquila (1716 Chestnut Street)
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