By William Haupt III
“No matter where you are Christmas is not
just about celebrating. Rich or poor, religious or not, Christmas isn’t just a
season. Christmas is in your heart. It’s in your feelings.” (Ellen Elder)
World War II altered the social structure of the world
forever. Before the ink had dried on the Paris Peace Treaty, a group of despots
emerged from the embryo of the war’s ashes to terrorize Europe. From 1945
through the 60s, there was a gutting of local institutions, tactical
maneuvering, lacerate campaigns and politically charged murders that subjugated
Eastern Europe for four decades.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the USSR, was
derived from Communism, Marxism and Socialism. Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky were
the architects of this demonic hell on earth. Eastern Europe was a war zone
that crushed human rights, religious freedom, righteous dignity and liberty.
“The
seeds of Communism are planted by a marauder who starts an unnecessary
revolution.” (Leo Millzopre)
Since this exigent rule repressed all worshiping,
religious traditions were controlled by the party. Church services not approved
by the commies were condemned. Although Christmas remained sacred in the hearts
of all faiths, they celebrated secretly in the shadows of their meager flats.
This was “re-branded Christmas Communist style.”
Eastern Europe now lived under an atheistic Stalinist
regime that intimidated even those wishing someone “Merry Christmas.” These
anti-Christian tyrants ordered people to celebrate December 21st, and call it
“A Celebration of Stalin’s birthday.” Those caught building a cardboard manger
for a stick built baby Jesus were jailed or beaten.
“According
to the Reds the only wise men were the party leaders behind The Iron Curtain.” (Andrze
Greyziel)
Since the Jews remained the subject of desecration, they
were petrified of celebrating Hanukkah, a holy Jewish holiday. Since the dates
of Hanukkah coincided with those of Christmas they would go to Christian homes
and light candles to praise God with their Christian brothers.
“To
the party Communism was their religion.” (Lillian Zobosky)
During the most cloistered years Christians never lost
hope someday they would again celebrate the birth of Christ openly. Many
families received packages from the UN Relief Fund, supported by donations from
Americans. Over 10 million tons of military food rations, including candy, kept
their hopes alive. The elders would hide them to give as gifts.
Radio Free Europe, funded by the CIA and private
donations, brought hope into the lives of all those imprisoned behind these
tenacious gates of hell. Each Christmas they would turn up their broadcast
towers, trumpeting holiday music and retell the story of how Mary and Joseph
followed the shining star to Bethlehem and gave birth to the world’s Savior.
Radio Free Europe assured them they would never be abandoned.
“It
is not what you can do for your country, but what you can do for all of mankind
that matters.” (M. Norton)
To obtain basic foods and household items, people would
stand in enduring lines especially during Christmas. The average European spent
94 minutes a day to obtain the mere essentials to prepare a tawdry Christmas
dinner. It was not uncommon to wait over five hours in sub-zero weather to get
one holiday carp.
When they heard ships from other communist countries were
arriving soon with oranges, almonds and bananas, they waited at docs for hours,
to unload them instead of the army. Their reward was a few kilograms of fruit
that made perfect gifts for loved ones.
“Communism
is the fatal logic of protectionism. It is the dehumanization of every man on
earth.” (Bishop Fulton Sheen)
During the Cold War, U.S. church membership increased by
30 percent. President Eisenhower petitioned Congress to add “under God” to the
Pledge of Allegiance and later they adopted “In God We Trust” as the American
motto.
Eisenhower said, “Religion is the foundation for
democracy.” He dedicated his first White House prayer service to those behind
the Eastern Block. Radio Free Europe played it all day. His prayers were
answered. Stalin’s death ushered in Khrushchev who told Eisenhower, “It is time
for “peaceful coexistence.” By the end of his 2nd term in 1961, celebrating
Christmas in the USSR had become a reality rather than a breach of security.
“Yes Virginia, there is a Santa!”
“The
spirit of a man is more important than his mere physical strength.” (Dwight D.
Eisenhower)
This epic event opened the door for Christians and
brought Christmas back to the Eastern Block! As their spiritual lives
prospered, so did their courage. They rebelled each day they learned more about
life in America and envied their religious freedom.
“The
only trouble with Communism is Communism.” (Bishop Fulton Sheen)
As life began to normalize retail shelves remained
sparsely stocked, especially at Christmas. The basic necessities such as
underwear, socks, flannel shirts, ball point pens and boxes of sweets were
sought-after Christmas gifts. Children would decorate cutting boards and door
mats for their mothers.
As economies improved, Western products appeared in
retail stores. Each Christmas was better than the last. And families praised
America for helping them survive the Machiavellian days of Communism. Churches
resumed celebrations of our Savior’s birth, and it was this spiritual guidance
that introduced them to the blessings and benefits of free market capitalism!
“Man
is by nature a curious animal. You can hide the truth from him temporarily, but
not forever.” (T. Flonta)
Once they discovered capitalism, there was no turning
back! They knew “damned well” this was a better way. They bought, sold and
traded freely on the open market. Everyday was like a festival.
No more chains to shackle them, no more rationing to
share the misery, and no more isolationism.
“Capitalism
on its worst day is better than any alternative I have ever heard of.” (Winston
Churchill)
For those who lived under these onerous regimes that
abolished their rights to worship, appreciate religious freedom more than any
of us ever will. Although their gifts were exiguous it was their faith that
kept the spirit of Christmas alive during the darkest days of Communism.
Christmas was more than a celebration. It was a feeling
that nurtured their spirits. There are many abuses people will live with in
order to survive, but when you take away their freedom to worship you take away
their lives.
“Just
as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual
life.” (Buddha)
“On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with
prayer, feasting, and merriment. But, most of all we experience it in our
hearts. For, more than just a day Christmas is a state of mind. It is found
throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and
love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and
understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the
wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows
the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls: Merry Christmas!” (Ronald Reagan)
This
article was written by a contributor from Franklin Center’s independent network
of writers, bloggers, and citizen journalists, William Haupt III, a retired
professional journalist, citizen legislator in California for 40 plus years,
and author. He got his start working to approve prop 13.
