Christmas All Year Long!
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Ha! Check out this John Prine if you like. He starts in the introduction: "A couple of years ago I go a divorce for Christmas. So I went out and bought myself an electric train because I never had one before. I brought it back home and nailed it to the dining room table, just cause I could."
John Prine All the Best
Me, I don't usually get riled over the "commercial spirit" of the season, even though two of my favorite songs (by good old Tom Lehrer & the fabulous Stan Freberg, God rest him) from back in the 50s pointedly comment on it.
Being a good Episcopalian I keep my Xmas stuff up till Epiphany. I grew up "Southron" [sic] cradle Presbyterian & the church part was always a big deal. Our family (grandparents included, who were born in the 1880s) always celebrated it both family- & church-wise as far back as I can remember.
As far as "nomenclature" I don't get bent over it. The so-called "war on Christmas" was always just dog-whistle bull from a certain jackleg to rile up his base. There's never been any "war" on it, just entrenchment against folks who don't necessarily buy into the "Christian nation" crap that's been snottily assumed by the reactionary faction. If somebody wishes me a good season of any sort, I just take it as them being nice & I try to respond in the same spirit.
Being a good Episcopalian I keep my Xmas stuff up till Epiphany. I grew up "Southron" [sic] cradle Presbyterian & the church part was always a big deal. Our family (grandparents included, who were born in the 1880s) always celebrated it both family- & church-wise as far back as I can remember.
As far as "nomenclature" I don't get bent over it. The so-called "war on Christmas" was always just dog-whistle bull from a certain jackleg to rile up his base. There's never been any "war" on it, just entrenchment against folks who don't necessarily buy into the "Christian nation" crap that's been snottily assumed by the reactionary faction. If somebody wishes me a good season of any sort, I just take it as them being nice & I try to respond in the same spirit.
Call it what you will, but anything that can cause this kind of magic is fine with me.
Christmas Truce 1914
Christmas Truce 1914
I think an interesting interpretation of Christmas is made by Tim Minchin. He is an Aussie musician/comedian/atheist who works atheism into his comedy. He wrote a song called "White Wine in the Sun" about summertime Christmas in Australia, and his happy remembrances as a child.
A quote from the lyrics:
"And yes, I have all of the usual objections
To consumerism, the commercialisation of an ancient religion
To the westernisation of a dead Palestinian
Press-ganged into selling PlayStations and beer
But I still really like it"
It's a really nice song actually.
I have no dog in the fight on the religious aspects of Christmas, but I like good music and good comedy. Many of his songs really crack me up.
A quote from the lyrics:
"And yes, I have all of the usual objections
To consumerism, the commercialisation of an ancient religion
To the westernisation of a dead Palestinian
Press-ganged into selling PlayStations and beer
But I still really like it"
It's a really nice song actually.
I have no dog in the fight on the religious aspects of Christmas, but I like good music and good comedy. Many of his songs really crack me up.
I agree with bnichols. That said if folks want to be grumpy and miserable I'll not stop them (family excepted).
I recall that Christmas stuff seemed a bit absurd in Swaziland. Christmas falls at the hottest time of the year with the longest days. Yet there were decorations depicting snow covered fir trees and other European winter scenes. It was a bit bizarre to encounter wild giraffes, hippos, and the like on the same day as seeing a traditional looking Santa Claus. Now I find myself in Germany which is the land of Christmas. Pretty soon I'll go to some of the lovely Weihnachtmarkts, probably drink some Glühwein and generally have a good time with my wife and young sons.
I recall that Christmas stuff seemed a bit absurd in Swaziland. Christmas falls at the hottest time of the year with the longest days. Yet there were decorations depicting snow covered fir trees and other European winter scenes. It was a bit bizarre to encounter wild giraffes, hippos, and the like on the same day as seeing a traditional looking Santa Claus. Now I find myself in Germany which is the land of Christmas. Pretty soon I'll go to some of the lovely Weihnachtmarkts, probably drink some Glühwein and generally have a good time with my wife and young sons.
You either enjoy the season or not. With nine grand children, I'm on the enjoy the season side. The best present I get each year is seeing their faces - especially the younger ones - when they open their gifts.
So, just to trigger you Grinches and Scrooges....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXsw8yOxkJk&feature=youtu.be
So, just to trigger you Grinches and Scrooges....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXsw8yOxkJk&feature=youtu.be
I could celebrate the good things in life and in Christmas were it not that what I really want to is to celebrate it as it echoes with family. But this I cannot do as they are irredeemable buzzards that still echo in such flight within me.
I love the Christmas season. It is among my favorite times of the year. I love the Christmas Spirit.
Yes, in America it is highly commercialized. So are many other things. I know people who get extremely stressed over choosing, buying, and later paying off - various Christmas gifts.
I choose not to participate in that.
It frees up time & mental energy for really enjoying the season.
Yes, in America it is highly commercialized. So are many other things. I know people who get extremely stressed over choosing, buying, and later paying off - various Christmas gifts.
I choose not to participate in that.
It frees up time & mental energy for really enjoying the season.
For many people (and too many IMO) - it's a very depressing time. Suicide rates are high. Plus it's been driven into our heads (Joseph Goebbells style) that everyone has a loving family and close frieds galore. Not so. In the real world.
I don't "celebrate?" it for whatever the invented religious reason/s. But it's kinda nice seeing people being a bit nicer for awhile. I like the lights, decorations and being from the Northeast I like the snow for the Holy-Daze. But the same old music is a tad annoying. The commercialism, shopping stuff, buying and exchanging gifts is kinda fake and automatic/expected in most cases too. And what specific gifts makes people "happy" is often overly expensive as parents and people are expected to pay an arm and a leg to "show their love." Odd values seem to surround true happiness these days.
As a chiropractor, I often talked with many of my clients and found out just how may people absolutely dreaded he holidays (the cooking, fighting the traffic to shop, seeing idiot relatives they hate, traveling, etc) It was a shitload.
Parents seem to love it for their kids but then again kids are up for any type of party where sweets and gifts are handed out freely then throw in some flashing lights and cartoon characters. I never understood the "sitting on Santa's lap" stuff. It always seemed a bit strange to me. And I still question lying to children about the Santa thing and how that effects the trust relationship between parents and the child.
But overall I say happy holidays (the PC term) to anyone I see at that time and find it kinda' nice. Although I do cringe at the guys and gals that have to wear the Santa cap everywhere they go and do it every year. But hey, it makes them happy.
OTOH I do find some true and meaningful celebration for the Winter Solstice. That's something I can really bite into.
I don't "celebrate?" it for whatever the invented religious reason/s. But it's kinda nice seeing people being a bit nicer for awhile. I like the lights, decorations and being from the Northeast I like the snow for the Holy-Daze. But the same old music is a tad annoying. The commercialism, shopping stuff, buying and exchanging gifts is kinda fake and automatic/expected in most cases too. And what specific gifts makes people "happy" is often overly expensive as parents and people are expected to pay an arm and a leg to "show their love." Odd values seem to surround true happiness these days.
As a chiropractor, I often talked with many of my clients and found out just how may people absolutely dreaded he holidays (the cooking, fighting the traffic to shop, seeing idiot relatives they hate, traveling, etc) It was a shitload.
Parents seem to love it for their kids but then again kids are up for any type of party where sweets and gifts are handed out freely then throw in some flashing lights and cartoon characters. I never understood the "sitting on Santa's lap" stuff. It always seemed a bit strange to me. And I still question lying to children about the Santa thing and how that effects the trust relationship between parents and the child.
But overall I say happy holidays (the PC term) to anyone I see at that time and find it kinda' nice. Although I do cringe at the guys and gals that have to wear the Santa cap everywhere they go and do it every year. But hey, it makes them happy.
OTOH I do find some true and meaningful celebration for the Winter Solstice. That's something I can really bite into.
I refuse to go anywhere on Christmas, as selfish as it may be. I like to have a relaxing day at home in my pajamas with some hot beverages, the Christmas tree, a few presents, and Mrs. Lawdawg. One day, when we have kids, my "tradition" will continue, and we won't be hauling the kids between various different relative's houses. I absolutely refuse to budge from my "stay home on Christmas" policy, because once an exception has been made, it's over. The only "exception" would be if we went on vacation.
Yup, sure is. All it takes is one false step, & bam, there you are, off the mud bank & under the hippo.
And speaking of which, Seldom, this one's for you. }
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTEco2dM3A8- Status