Christmas or 'X'mas

Christmas or ‘X’masI don't really know the meaning of Christmas anymore. Last year I struggled with the materialism and the Santa Claus fanaticism that’s going around. This year I plan on finding Christmas in any small way I can.

Christmas isn't Santa Claus.
Christmas isn't about toys, clothes, jewelry and gifts under the tree.
Christmas isn't about how low cut your dress is or how many slits your skirt has or how spiked and well gelled your hair is. *Especially at midnight mass*
Christmas isn't about which neighbour gave you sweets for Diwali - only then will I give them sweets for Christmas.
Christmas isn't about party-sharties or navy balls.
Christmas isn't about hitting the bottle, then hitting on girls and then hitting the streets.

After watching the brutal atrocities committed by a few religious fanatics against our Christian brethren, it’s sad to say but I don't really think I want to celebrate Christmas this year.

How can we think of spending money on clothes, toys, gifts, sweets and parties when so many have suffered - lost lives, homes and most of all lost themselves. Is there anything we can do to help ease their grief?

I know there is.

Lets try to focus on the value of family, of going to church as a family and showing people that we are a peaceful religion and wish none of our countrymen, be them of any faith, any ill will. Let’s try to unite as a parish, a community, a congregation to help promote peace and goodwill among ourselves. Most of all lets help those who can't help themselves and who need someone.

I urge all my fellow youth group members from St. Joseph, my Christian friends,... my friends from different faiths, even those who don’t believe but believe in the value of each and every human being, anyone who will read this to do something different this year and show someone who has suffered from these hate crimes... that no matter what - we are here for you...

This Christmas and every single day.

Christmas is Christ. Amen.

Migrating to U.S., Canada and other so called First World Countries…

Thoughts from overseas...

Thoughts of going abroad for some as an immigrant or even on a work permit can be a little daunting. There are many - What If questions, questions people even living abroad can’t answer most of the time. Everyone says - hey you’re getting a better deal man – clean air, amazing food, good schools, healthy way of living, and the usual positives about going abroad.
Yes, there are plenty of trees, you get a whiff of clean air now and then, the foods good till you see the calorie intake, and there are plenty of hospitals and doctors till you find yourself sitting with a temperature in the waiting room for eight hours before a doctor will see you. Whoever came up with that line ‘Jobs are available in plenty abroad’ is still living in India and making fools of people wasting their time by losing everything they’ve ever had just to be part of a so called better way of life.
The following are things which most people who live abroad or an agent who would love to send you packing on the next available flight to Canada will not tell you:
- The economies of the U.S. are crumbling, that means around the world people are losing jobs, including first world countries.
- Go online and start reading the newspapers of the country you plan on going to and see what they have to say about the economy. You will find it starkly different from what your agent has been telling you.
- I still have to meet one parent, just one skilled migrant worker from India, China, Jamaica and even Bangladesh who has immigrated at the age of 25, 35, 45 even 50 and been asked to go back to school (known as a continuing education program) learn their new country’s education and then find a job in that field if they are lucky enough to do so.
- You have the GST, the PST, totaling 15%, on practically everything you purchase and many other taxes taken out of your weekly paycheck.
- People come dressed to Church in shorts, tank tops, spaghettis and to keep children quiet give them their Barbie dolls and PS2’s.
- All the experience you’ve gained in your home country is literally a waste. Unless you have connections in really high places you won’t find a great job.
- Everyone starts of working in fast food restaurants or general labour positions.
I have met a journalist from Pakistan – he sits and sells calling cards to India and other countries. At the restaurant I work at, there is a lady who has her Masters in Computer Science and another who has a Masters in Hindi. They both flip burgers and make French fries. All three regret coming here. One can argue that the money you get paid abroad is more, but so are your cost of living and daily expenditures.
I find it appalling that people who have struggled and succeeded in their home country will think of giving up family and friends hoping they are giving their children a better life than the one they have in India. I don’t think anything or anyone can replace your homeland. When I see Indians faking an accent I don’t laugh but I do feel sorry for them. You end up giving up on your morals and principles just to try and fit in. At the end of the day if you can sleep with your conscience, I commend you.

Lost.

why does my heat beat so sadly
why does my face frown with pain
why does my smile look so empty
as I walk with a limp in the rain

why do my feet walk ever so slowly
as I try and figure my past
why do memories keep on haunting me
when they were never meant to last

why is God so quiet when I need him the most
where is He when the hurt is too much to bear
was I not worth it, Lord?
was I worth nothing at all?
Seems like you just dont care

Need help physically, mentally, emotionally
Yet everyone has their back to my face
The reality can never be changed
Maybe I just ain't worth the chase