When I was young, I didn't really like Christmas. Although I appreciated the days off, I hated the music that played on the radio. I didn't like songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "White Christmas," or "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
When I was fifteen, songs like "Do They Know It's Christmas," "Last Christmas," and "We Are the World" were playing everywhere on the radio.
I was a teenager and never understood George Michael. Why was he so upset about the girl he dumped last year? Get over it, man!
I thought there were too many Christmas songs. Too sentimental. Too sugary.
However, over time, my perspective on Christmas songs changed. At first, they only brought back childhood memories. But now I see they have a deeper meaning. They remind us that as humans, we are better and stronger together.
This is a familiar concept that we often forget, and as I grow older, it resonates with me.
Sadly, we are becoming increasingly independent. The world around us reinforces the idea that we should avoid relying on others. We feel the need to disband and detach from society and existing systems, seeking instead independence and self-sufficiency. We want to learn how to become better and stronger on our own.
We want to know how to protect ourselves from the nonsense of everyday life.
When is dependence dangerous?
As a generation of X-ers, I grew up with the idea of "better together." It was promoted in all areas of life - whether at school, work, or home. The concept of globalization was seen as a good thing, expected to make the world safer and more efficient.
However, times have changed, and the harsh optimism of geopolitical situations has led to complete darkness and despair. Governments have realized that if supply and demand do not work due to a pandemic or war, "dependence" and "reliance" can be dangerous and lead to serious problems.