As Christmas approaches the light will be switched on in Dumfries. Shops are already gearing up with their advertising, and your diary is probably filling up. Perhaps you feel under pressure, or those around you do.
The relationship of the Church to Christmas is complicated. It is tempting to think that this was simpler in the past, and perhaps to feel trapped by a society where the words and the imagery that were familiar now describe a festival of consumerism rather than a story of faith. To feel buried under the tinsel, plastic gifts, and social occasions.
This Christmas Wordsmith Crafts is going to occupy a space in the Loreburn centre. This is not an attempt to put Christ back into Christmas. We will simply provide an escape, time to reflect, and ask questions. We have been searching the store cupboard of our cultural inheritance to explore how Christmas has been marked over the centuries in these islands. We have rooted around for the stories of Santa Clause, tinsel, and gifts. We have prepared materials and skills to turn recycled materials into jewellery.
We will set up a space where people can take time out and reflect. Ask themselves questions, and have the time to wonder about the answers. To escape the gravity of “normal” “common sense” experiences of real life and immerse themselves in a fantasy of past present and future.
If you would like to help with this, the practical tasks will involve people learning simple craft techniques to make things as gifts and simple entertainments from the past. To create peaceful atmosphere where they can take the weight off their feet and enjoy family activities (but not free childcare). It is an escape, rather than an avoidance of real life.
If you have some time available to contribute in the Saturdays leading up to Christmas please find out more and volunteer on the Cluaran site. The activities will be offered cash free thanks to the generosity of others and the Stove Network.
For more discussion about escape have a look at this article which helped me find out more about two of my favourite authors.