By Lubna Abdel-Aziz There is magic in the air this time of year, at least for children. Childhood is a magic time, especially during feasts. Religious feasts combine elements of faith and charity, as well as the joy of celebrating amongst family and friends. There is even more unified magic when the feasts of the three major religions happen to follow each other, as they have done in the last few years. Like silver bells of faith ringing loud and clear, a rhapsody of jubilance permeates the world over, and the prayer for peace radiates in humankind. This is that special time, which transports all to the enchanted world of divine euphoric delights, spellbound by its many magical attributes. Charity stands out as the primary virtue -- loving and giving without reservation. I see nothing wrong or 'commercial' in generosity if we spend our money to give others joy. As families gather to share prayers, love, and togetherness, observe the eyes of the children, as they savour every gesture, every moment, every face, and store the memories within their very souls to be a part of their future lives -- a lesson to pass on to their children. That is the birth of tradition. Illogical, inappropriate to some, traditions endure because we want them to. We hang on to them as part of our continuance. After a sumptuous holiday dinner with a song in the air and stars twinkling in the sky, families seek collective activities. Nothing puts us more in a holiday mood as an outing to the movie theatre. With schools closed and children hungry for some R&R, film producers and theatre owners rush to provide the cream of the crop to the little ones, who drag their families wherever they choose, and families happily oblige. You can always count on Disney to cater to the little mites. Enchanted is a classic Disney animated fairy tale, combining live action, and since its November release remains the number one box office draw in the US. This romantic comedy, directed by Kevin Lima, follows the story of the beautiful princess Giselle (Amy Adams) as she is banished from her magical land by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon), and finds herself in the mean streets of modern Manhattan. Sounds enchantingly familiar as the Disneyesque style adapts to every generation, while still retaining its hypnotic enchantment. Although there are over 10 new releases this season, a couple aimed at children with a Christmas theme, they fall far short of the regular classics we are familiar with, that never seem to lose their charm with every generation. What precisely is the ingredient missing in today's films that make them so forgettable? Despite the state of the arts advanced computer technology, which in itself is a modern miracle, it remains incomplete. Very few grasp the magic of the human psyche. Could it be interpreted as lacking "matters of the heart," which existed in abundance in the past and may be rather scarce and inadequate today! Who knows? Computers have greatly assisted in adding more rapture and intrigue to film like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Titanic, etc. But stories with heart that have survived for decades dig in to reach an intrinsic human kindness, no matter how deeply buried it may be -- "there is a soul of goodness in things evil." Therein, perhaps lies the virtue of man's basic faith in humanity. Though filmmakers are sure to include a handful of "touching" Christmas themes, they sadly fall short of the classics of yesteryear. Their memories and enjoyment linger on, while the new crop is instantly forgotten. Gladly, TV channels accommodate us by regularly transmitting those precious gems every season, most of which are available on DVDs. Indulge in some fantasy time and share the gift of those classic gems with children and grandchildren. Topping our list is It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Jean Shephard;s memoirs of growing up in Bedford Falls, a tranquil 50s US town. George Bailey, thanks to an angel, discovers what the world would have been like, had he never been born. In Miracle on 34th Street (1947) a huge department store hires a man by the name of Kris Kringle to dress up as Santa. Mr. Kringle however, insists he is the real Santa Claus, and is obliged to go to court to prove it. Mingling tears with laughter, and even credibility, the film provides that faith in the impossible we all long for. Why do we crave for that spirituality, that sacred mythical magic that offers the same message year after year? Why do we disregard the overwhelming march of technology that's drowning us with its murkiness, entangling us with its confusions? Is it that divine simplicity of heart and soul that is the essence of its magnetism, stripping us of all else but that sense of loving, giving and sharing? Our culture remains fascinated with the unknown since time immemorial. Despite the sophistication of our intellectual capacity and our scientific achievements, we remain secretly bound to the mysterious, the unfathomable, the invisible, the underworld, the middle world, the future world, and whatever is up, down, or out there, that is still unrevealed to us. When reason fails, we blame or claim the unknown. Ghosts are among those ephemeral creatures. Claimed to be known by some, admittedly known by none, they form part of our psyche. Some fear them others revere them. This leads us to the best ghost story ever told: A Christmas Carol by England's foremost author Charles Dickens. Who has not cringed at the sight of the three ghosts of past, present and future, who give the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge a lesson, reprimanding him of his dreary past and warning him of his dismal future? We need to be reminded daily of the virtues of humanity, but we will settle for that one special time of year when sharing and giving provides the most comfort and joy, not for a moment or a day, but for another whole year. Only love warms the hearts and hearths during this magical time, lifting our spirit once again and forever more. No electronic gadget can match that. You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. -- Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)
