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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 21, 1995)
Musique Gounnet Catering lo the QwcfimUnimQ Coftartor CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CLASSICAL MUSIC. OPERA, BROADWAY & FILM SCORES ON COMPACT DISC CD'S FROM S5.95 -£k: Flfthpearl Building ?0/ f: 5th Avonue / DAYS P.i/kirKj 343-9000 i o 2E SS _ -m food becoming tiresome? ii*vo still got to oat« No Problem! 1461 E. 19TH & AGATE • 344-2295 That's right! Our Fall Students and faculty, bring your this ad and receive your secoi Best Bargain Bar Monday through Saturday 113 _Seasons Greetings_ Women prone to holiday blues Alternatives to traditional hol iday leslrvtites are especial ly needed tor women who (eel overworked and alienated during the season, said a women's minister and family counselor Women sometimes feel alien ated by Christian theology, which dominates the holiday season, said Danahy Sharonrose who has taught a workshop at the Asher ah Sanctuary m Eugene for the last two years titled "Reclaim ing the Holidays Creating Alter nate Hobday Happiness * 1 Women may not notice on a conscious level that the holiday we celebrate worships a male god and we give hon-.tr to a male child," Sharonrose said “This male symbolism may help women feel alienated and unrep resented ” Single women are especially prone to feeling lonely and depressed during the holidays, she said “The picture is that you go home to the family for the holi days, blit not every woman has a biological family that she relates to. or is in a relationship with.” Sharonrose said. The holidays can also be a very lonely lime lor lesbians and bisexual women, she said "Duo to prejudice, a family might no longer welcome them," Sharonrose said. “Some lesbian couples may be forced lo choose to be with their family or their partner because the partner isn't welcome in the home * Women often feel overworked and tense during the holidays because their traditional female role as caretaker is accentuated. Sharonrose said “The meats, the party prepara tions, gift buying and wrapping is often put on women.* she said "Our culture has taught us that were supposed to party, run around and be very active at this time ot year, and this is especial ly true for women," she said This constant, frantic action is contradictory to what the holiday season was originally intended to celebrate. Sharonrose said It was originally about honor ing the darkness of winter and celebrating the return of the sun," she sad. "It is a time to be quiet, turn inward and slow down ” Sharonrose said women should tailor the holiday season to fil their own needs and beliefs "Think about how you’d like to spend the time," she said "You don't have to celebrate the holi days the same old way.” Some women are abandoning Christian theology, and the com mercialization that accompanies the holiday season, and are turn ing to ancient Earth religions that honor seasonal changes and goddesses Sharonrose said women should create their own traditions instead of following ones that depress them "II you are a lesbian, rather than leave your partner behind, you might want to create a more supportive family for yourself from among your friends," she said "Act out w hat brings you enjoyment. Holi day traditions are so institutionalized. Our minds get stuck think ing there is only one wav to cc lehr ate" l hi nahy Sharonn > s e Holiday Workshop Teacher She suggests staying in town and volunteering at a homeless shelter or inviting people to a potluck. "Act out what brings you enjoy ment." Sharonrose said. “Holiday traditions are so institutionalized that our minds get stuck thinking there is only one way to cele brate" For example, eating and drink ing are big holiday traditions, but many women have eating disor ders. or are alcoholics. “Go Christmas caroling, or do something active," she said She also suggests that single women get together on Christ mas morning for an organized hike or a walk. " You’re not the only one that's alone." she said. "When we take action, not only do we discover a tun way to spend the time but we empower ourselves and we quit feeling like victims “ Hv Mara Stine You may have already received your copy of the EMU Customer Survey. If you've been lucky enough to be one of the randomly selected candidates, return the surveys (via US Mail, Campus Mail or drop off at EMU Administration Office), and you will be mailed: $10.00 UO Bookstore Gift Certificate (if postmarked/received by December 1,1995) $5.00 UO Bookstore Gift Certificate (if postmarked/received by December 8,1995)
