By Yasin Muhammad

Although I haven’t grown up in a Christian household, the spirit of Christmas had always been attractive to me, at least the toys gifts, and fun on the holidays. I knew it represented the day Jesus was born but I didn’t know what toys and gifts had to do with it. It seemed like an excuse for attaining extra commerce at the end of the year. The more I grew the more I recognized what the holidays meant and I believe this year really put it in perspective. In one of the hardest economic and emotional times, we’ve had to deal with in contemporary human history, the spirit of giving lit up the neighborhood of Bushwick. In all of the uncertainty of the year, stress was relieved off the backs of parents and children when their food and Gift supplies were replenished by Metro NYC. This act put smiles on many people’s faces, and I’m sure relieved a tremendous amount of burden off the backs of an already struggling working class. Perhaps that’s what Christmas is about, being able to forget the hardships of the year, and celebrating life and love with your family. Of course, this year the ideal was threatened by fear of gatherings on the holidays, financial and economic crisis, and the impending doom paranoia. The holidays had a lot to overcome this year if it planned on truly comforting us; however, when you see folks giving out of the goodness in their heart, there is Hope.

Hope was a recurring topic Saturday morning as I interviewed people involved with the mass gift distribution. There seemed to be a common interest in providing young children with belief in a better world. You only had to drive past Bushwick ave and Himrod on Saturday morning, to see the display for yourself. A line stretching back two city blocks of men, women, and children, all in line to receive with joyful spirits and anticipation. What they were being given was a message of assurance for better days. I asked Rasheeda Tiggs, a volunteer, what she wants to stick with the children after today and she responded with 

   “Hope. This is meant to bring hope to the youth especially in this intense uncertain time.” 

    Metro Nyc is an organization built off the principles of the Christian faith: love thy neighbor and the power of Hope. This was demonstrated when they decided to give 3000 children Christmas presents last weekend, and how they have decided to continue to do this until Christmas day throughout all 5 boroughs. That Organization founded 40 years ago has been working through the pandemic providing food relief to surrounding communities. Since this year has been tough on everyone they decided to increase the volume of Christmas presence to bring the Christmas spirit into the homes of the families who have been so negatively affected by the pandemic. The display included Christmas music played through speakers, dancing volunteers in costume, and free food boxes as well as gifts. The Christmas spirit was truly in Bushwick and all around NYC thanks to Metro New York. 

Metro NYC is a deeply Christian organization and has roots in the church. It was a surprise to me growing up Muslim, and not being used to many religious events. But it was clear to me after a while that the display transcended any definite religious affiliation, for kids of all kinds had a reason to smile. There was love in the air from the action of giving hope and assurance to people. That was all they needed. The chance to dance, receive, and have fun. It seemed to open people’s hearts and for me, showed a glimpse into the spirit of the holidays. It was notable that no one asked my background or if I was Christian, they simply smiled and welcomed my presence. After all, Jesus taught love for thy neighbor, and that’s exactly the demonstration MetroNYC showed us. Giving without condition goes a long way, for that’s what those children will remember ending off the year. During our toughest times, humans can still show gratitude, love, and appreciation for each other and that is what makes us resilient. Not our difference or labels, but the actual compassion shown to one another, the true spirit of Christmas.