A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO EARTH

OVER THE YEARS, my take on Christmas has shifted a lot. I was taught it was a celebration of the birth of Jesus, but really it was all about the presents!

- CYLVIA HAYES

CYLVIA HAYES is a speaker, author, and Unity minister. Her Substack, Transcend, is about raised consciousness, economic system change, and a world that works better for all. She's also the former First Lady of Oregon. Visit cylviahayes.​com.

My family was of modest means, but my parents got serious about Christmas and I loved it. I'm a member of Gen X, known as the “latchkey generation” because both parents worked so we came home to an empty house after school. That was just fine by me because it provided an opportunity. For several years, driven by curiosity and anticipation, I sneakily opened Christmas presents, played with them, then rewrapped them before my parents got home. I'd then daydream about the new items and practice a “surprise” look for the day-of ritual.