After last year’s Christmas holidays, I wrote that things had been gloomy and gray here. That is how it really was, though. A poor little Christmas tree with a few painted bulbs, set against a market square torn up for construction, a dark town hall and townhouses with crumbling plaster, created a depressing atmosphere—especially for people whose homes, too, had modestly decorated tables and symbolic gifts beneath the tree.
This year, things can and should be different—better. The market square, with its colorful paving-stone sidewalks and renovated townhouses, looks impressive, so it is worth following through and giving the central part of the town an appropriate decoration and atmosphere.
Nothing can become lodged in people’s memories as strongly and lastingly as the Christmas spirit. Older people can confirm this by recalling their fondest memories; as for the young, we have the opportunity—and should take it—to create the chance for such memories. (What else will remain with them from these difficult years?)
There is still plenty of time before Christmas; we only need to become convinced of the idea itself. First, let us reject the argument that “it is not worth it,” that “it is too expensive,” that “we cannot afford it,” and so on. We can devise and carry out a plan that will not “ruin” us or place too great a burden on anyone. Then let us combine our efforts: let us create something like a “Christmas task force.” I see the Merchants’ Association, the Guild of Various Crafts, the Multi-Branch Cooperative, the Power Utility, the Army, the Municipal Office, the Commune Office, cultural institutions, TPD and Social Assistance as members of this “task force.” The Merchants’ Association could announce a competition for a pre-Christmas display and consider organizing a colorful pre-Christmas fair. The Power Utility, together with MZGK, the Guild and the Multi-Branch Cooperative (as well as companies such as “Lumex” and electrical wholesalers), could consider lighting up and “adding color” to the town—perhaps at least the Market Square and Piłsudski Square. On appropriate days and at appropriate times, cultural institutions could provide suitable music, even from tape recordings. The Municipal and Commune Offices could support the project financially (for example, the Commune Office could decorate the Market Square and the Municipal Office Piłsudski Square). Social Assistance and TPD could ensure that Saint Nicholas gave gifts to people with limited means and children (I write about this matter elsewhere).
Cultural institutions could announce a competition for a toy for the “municipal” Christmas tree. An appeal could be made for one restaurant to organize a Christmas Eve dinner for people who are alone and less well-off, while another could invite the same people for festive cake and coffee.
Of course, the proposals presented here are disorganized and chaotic. Everything can be improved and arranged more coherently. We must not, however, abandon the idea itself. Let us make the beautiful Christmas holiday an opportunity to bring people’s hearts closer together and to unleash warmth and kindness. Let us not shut ourselves away within our four walls; let us think of those who need our warmth.
Let us come out to meet one another once a year, exchange heartfelt wishes and help one another. A festive, uplifting atmosphere will make this closeness easier.