Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Meaning of Christmas still pure

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002 | 8:27 a.m.

Christmas -- then and now.

From the time I was old enough to understand, Christmas was a solemn but joyful holy day for Christians -- a time to re-affirm their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

At church, young Sunday school children dutifully performed various interpretations of the Nativity scene and sang such songs as "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger."

Than along came political correctness. Nativity scenes in public places became taboo. "Jingle Bell Rock" and "'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" took over for "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."

The Star of Bethlehem was sent into orbit.

The scene changed as Santa Claus and his elves and reindeer took center stage. With them came the annual gift-giving binge when merchandisers do their best to separate citizens from their hard-earned cash.

The evolution of Christmas from a deeply religious celebration to fun and frolic is somewhat indicative of our modern society.

For some of us -- especially those still faithful to their church -- the true meaning of the holiday remains as we pray for peace on earth and good will toward men.

Perhaps it is symbolic that Christmas has become a season for people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in joyous celebration.

The holiday season is a time when folks warm up to the idea of charitable giving.

There are so many places for your donations that it becomes difficult to make choices.

The median islands along our public streets have been the scene of a variety of solicitation efforts with solicitors approaching holding out a bucket for donations.

Who knows who they are or where the money goes?

A good rule of thumb in giving money to charity is to know the organization. Keeping donations local is a good idea. There are so many worthy causes in desperate need of financial help.

Be sure your money is going to a familiar charity.

We can always hope, but it is difficult to believe that U.N. inspectors will find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

To underestimate Saddam Hussein is a grievous error. Hans Blix, the U.N. team leader, is not a match for one as sly as Saddam.

So the Fremont Street Experience is looking for some seed money.

And Nevada State College at Henderson isn't living up to expectations.

Ever hear the word, "boondoggle?"

One of the state's oldest and longest-running casinos recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

For those who care: It's El Capitan in Hawthorne.

Local poet, Lorna Greene, very graciously supplied me with a poignant bit of poetry titled, "The Woebegones."

Space limits the publication of the entire piece, which deals with the plight of the homeless. The last few lines, however, pretty much tell the story:

"The woebegone, bewildered lot -- life turned his head and just forgot."