community

CHRISTMAS DAY IS FOR EVERYONE

Posted on by vlaw759

As a National Holiday, when hardly any businesses are open, nearly everyone in the US has a day off. What do non-Christians and non-religious people do on Christmas Day?

Other Religious Traditions

Many religious traditions include a midwinter holiday, and those celebrations occasionally fall on December 25th. Even when they don’t, many faith communities take advantage of a day off from work and school to celebrate together.

Being Jewish or Buddhist on Christmas Day

In 2024, Hannukah and Christmas fell on the same day. However, this synching only happens about five times in a century.

I have a Jewish friend whose family tradition was to go to the movies. Most major U.S. theater chains are open on December 25th with early-afternoon showtimes and full or modified schedules. However, some have holiday surcharges.

One year when viewing Christmas decorations in the neighborhood, my Chinese-American granddaughter said, “We’re Buddhists and we don’t have holidays, but we celebrate Christmas as a cultural tradition.” Her family decorates a tree, exchanges gifts, etc.

Another family I know who practice Buddhism, and do not subscribe to any particular religion, traditionally go to a Chinese restaurant. Virtually all Chinese restaurants are open and Christmas Day is among the busiest days of the year for many.

Although the family I mentioned is Buddhist, eating Chinese food on December 25th is a widespread tradition among Jewish Americans. This practice began as far back as the 19th century, often attributed to the proximity of Jewish and Chinese American communities in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Today, the tradition has spread across America. One Chinatown restaurant in Chicago reported that in 2003 “I think we had the entire Jewish community here”, with their 350-seat restaurant being completely booked on December 25.

Being Muslim on Christmas Day

What about Muslims? Although Jesus and Mary are central to the Muslim faith, Christmas isn’t necessarily treated as a religious holiday. As far as I could find, there is no stand-out tradition in the Muslim community. Some treat it as a normal day, and rest or attend to personal matters. Others participate in celebrations or visit family, with many emphasizing maintaining good relations and respecting others’ traditions.

According to Fawzia Mirza, celebrations on the day often involve “auntie and uncle” parties with other U.S. South Asians. And also bowling! “The favorite Muslim pastime is bowling. Not on the day itself, but it’s like everyone else is visiting family and opening presents—we’re going bowling.”

Not every bowling alley is open on December 25th. Typically, hours are shortened and may vary by date, so check local hours and reservations if you’re interested.

Secular Traditions

Atheists and agnostics often celebrate Christmas non-religiously as a cultural holiday—focusing on family, friends, feasting, gifts, and togetherness, sometimes attending Unitarian services or enjoying secular traditions.

With this huge emphasis on family, what if you are alone—by choice or otherwise?

Consider spending Christmas Day alone as an opportunity for self-care and personal activities you enjoy, such as treating it like any other day, embracing solitude, and doing a mix of reflective, enjoyable, or meaningful tasks you choose. A friend is planning to spend the day alternately sewing dance costumes and playing video games.

And if you want ideas, there are many suggestions online!

Bottom Line: Christmas Day is coming, no matter what. Find a way to make the most of it—maybe start your own tradition!

SELFISH? VOUNTEER!

Posted on by vlaw759

Volunteering is a positive thing, as nearly everyone agrees. A volunteer benefits not just their community but reaps a range of benefits mentally, professionally, and personally.

Maureen Sullivan and Shirley Conn, American Women’s Voluntary Services (F. Palumbo, 1941)

Words associated with volunteering include:

  • Passionate
  • Reliable
  • Team player
  • Patient
  • Creative
  • Energetic
  • Positive
  • Willing to help
  • Compassionate
  • Organized

Why to Volunteer

So, if you volunteer, you are likely to enhance your image. But if your image is “fine,“ why bother? There are many more substantive reasons for people—even selfish people—to volunteer.

Social scientist have studied the phenomenon of volunteering for years, and the benefits are clearly documented for physical benefits, a range of mental and emotional positives as well as a sense of self-worth, and social networking.

Dr. Eric Kim, psychologist, has studied the connection between psychological well-being and physical health. One study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, followed people who volunteered at least two hours per week over a period of four years. According to Kim, “Our minds and bodies are rewarded when we give to others.” Study participants showed less chance of early death and also reduced “physical functioning limitations.”

Dr. Austin Hall, medical director of the University of North Carolina Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health says, “Volunteering has been shown to have a positive effect on both mental health and cognitive abilities.” In older adults “volunteering can delay cognitive decline.”

Career Benefits

Developing confidence: discovering hidden talents that may change the volunteer’s view of their own self-worth.

Learning new/valuable skills: opportunity to develop transferable skills applicable to any position, such as interpersonal communication, time management, leadership, delegation, communication, leadership
and problem-solving.

Networking: volunteer work can demonstrate to those who may be in a position to recommend you to others or hire you for a paid position based on the kind of person you are (e.g. how you work with others, how you approach tasks, how you take initiative, how you manage your time).

Targeted volunteering gives you the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with professionals in your field of interest.

Career exploration: volunteering is also a great way to explore different career opportunities by engaging with professionals in a variety of fields to better understand your interests, likes and dislikes and determine which fields you might want to pursue further.

Other professional benefits:

  • Gaining professional experience
  • Expand your resume
  • Career advancement
  • Develop social skills

Mental Health Benefits

Mental health professionals agree that focusing on a cause outside of yourself has many benefits for mental health and well-being.

  • Interrupts tension-producing patterns.
  • Increase happiness: reduce stress, combat depression, anxiety and loneliness by releasing dopamine.
  • Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one’s fate, strengthen the immune system.
  • Physical health (by encouraging more physical activity)
  • Gratification of giving back
  • Meet new people/make new friends
  • Finding purpose

And bring fun into your life!

Benefits to Your Community

Community cohesion: assisting in uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal and building camaraderie through teamwork.

Personal growth and fulfillment: through working with local non-profit agencies, learn about the functions and operations of our government, gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.

Saving resources: volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements. The estimated value of a volunteer’s time in California is $26.87 per hour based on the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Cons of Volunteering

The constraints on time, funding, or manpower can make it tough for volunteers to hit their goals or create a significant impact. Such failures can cause the volunteers to lose faith in the cause or in the benefits of volunteering altogether.

In addition, you may also encounter resistance. Introducing new ideas or initiatives can face pushback, both from within the organization and the community.

Bottom Line: Weighing the pros and cons, even selfish self-interest supports volunteering.