Xerox people reflect on the meaning of “the holiday season.”
By Gregory Pings, manager, Content Marketing, Xerox
We are many in this world. Our backgrounds and experiences are diverse. We explore the idea that what we believe, how we celebrate and when we celebrate can be a means to unite us.
I asked Xerox people to share their thoughts on this season of holidays for this blog – which ever holidays they celebrate. The answers they sent in do not cover the gamut of the holidays on the calendar, but they touch upon the intangible “spirit” of the season that stirs each of us.
Consider the following a conversation-starter, and consider sharing your thoughts and reflections in the comment section below.
What do the holidays mean to you?
- Christmas – the day we celebrate Christ’s birth – God’s gift to us….hopefully by giving and not just over-indulging. Ellen Bennett, Systems Development Specialist
- I have lived in the U.S. for less than three years, but I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for no matter the circumstances. Damilola Ashaolu, Communications and Strategy Analyst
- Spirituality rules, but the economy cannot be forgotten. I’ll take a contra view. Commerce: What’s a festival without an opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a decorated Bazaar, Souk, Mall, et al? And while you’re at it, remember that the festival-induced economic churn keeps the lights on and hearths burning for many across the globe. Deepak Seth, Senior Architect
- I like Christmas, not for the religious reasons as such — many of the symbols and icons were, after all, taken from a Pagan festival. I just like the fact that your family spends more time with you, and everyone seems a lot happier even though the weather is always cold. (In the U.K., anyway.) I do like seeing my family’s faces when they open their presents – a better feeling then opening my own. Andrew Prior, Operations Manager
- I am thankful 365 days a year throughout my waking hours. I am not persuaded that giving thanks requires an annual meal of excessive overeating, a week of meals made from leftovers, or any of the other activities associated with this festivity. I follow only one tradition: I have kept all my promises. I know I will keep all future promises I make. As Shakespeare put it in Hamlet: “To thine own self be true.” Jan Harrington, Reviewing Actuary
- To me the holiday season, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, are all about family and reflection on the past year, and on what we are thankful for. Sometimes this is the only time the whole family gets together, so I’ve learned to treasure these moments. This really hit home in the past year because last Thanksgiving was the last family gathering my Dad could attend. (He went into a nursing home between Thanksgiving and Christmas.) And last Christmas was the last time I saw my nephew, who died of an aneurism in February. Annamarie Hew
Our best wishes to all. May the richness and blessings of the holiday season be yours throughout the new year.
