MY CHRISTMAS TREE​

December 21, 2023

This year I planted my symbolic #Christmas tree in Gaza. It tries to be a humble and emotional message to Palestinians and Israelis of good will, most especially to those who remain kidnapped and to the children, elderly, women and men, and also with my fellow reporters, who suffer as a consequence of an unconscionable war and heinous terrorism, both unjustified.

My memory and emotion is with those who suffer. I do not forget those who suffer similar situations in Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Yemen or Syria… or anywhere else on the planet.

My tree tries to be the allegory of an elevated prayer to all the gods, to those of all beliefs, although I install it next to the Bethlehem, representation of my culture, of the Catholic religion, of my family and personal tradition.

With some decorations I try to warn about climate change and denounce those who use scarce natural resources as a speculative weapon, ignoring those who cannot have heating in the cold season, the most humble and those who live in areas of conflict or extreme poverty.

I remain persuaded, like Socrates, that “of all the good and noble things that exist, the gods grant nothing to men without effort or solicitude.” We have to predispose ourselves, get involved, act.

On a card placed on the tree, next to the star of Bethlehem, I propose a subtle, very simple resolution: raise our eyes, look carefully at what is happening around us and see that others exist, that they need us, especially those who suffer from war, violence, unjust persecution, mistreatment: refugees, migrants, the starving or slaves, those threatened by mafias, the unemployed, those who have no access to health care or education or live in undemocratic regimes.

As an essential exercise, during this holiday season I believe that we should look at and talk to the people closest to us without the intermediation of any machine. Embrace each other, and opt for the rational, with normality, common sense and solidarity. For that, nothing better than forgetting hypocrisy, grudges and vain intentions. It is necessary to found with each fresh gesture predispositions of understanding and affection.

A Hindu saying maintains that what is not given is lost. The Chinese affirm that there are many who worry about fame, wealth and honors, and very few who try to be wise and generous. These millenary recommendations are written on small pieces of paper, flying leaves, which reflect the delicacy of humble and forceful thoughts, they denote fragility and evidence the frequent forgetfulness of what is essential. For my part, I complete them with suggestions such as consuming in local stores, celebrating meetings with friends and family at the bar or restaurant around the corner, visiting museums, turning off cell phones at shared tables. They try to be an easy example of how to encourage a new spirit with which to enjoy without major expenses.

My tree is symbolically in Gaza, it will only germinate exponentially if its seed reaches the hearts and attitudes of those of us who enjoy life without impediments.

There is much to enjoy and more to share. Health, peace and good. Happy Holidays.

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Alberto Barciela, Spanish journalist, is vice-president of EditoRed.

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