Christmas? Again?

 

Newton and Greta the tree

    It's that time of year again with tidings of comfort and joy, ho, ho, ho and reindeer running over grandma. I always loved christmas and finding the perfect gift, the hope of snow (I grew up in Pennsylvania) and scoring serious loot.

    But after sixty four years of false cheer, the expense and hassle of buying and the memory of mom and younger sister dying shortly after- I've finally had it.

    In the true spirit of the season I present my favorite song and wish you all happy holidays.  

    I'll be back next friday.

 

 

Ho Ho Ho

 

Author and Newton

 

Done with another Christmas

12 Days of Christm-- oh my God it's the 13th already?!!!

         The day started out with the phone ringing at 8:15 am. I'm not an early riser and by the time I got to the phone - they hung up-as usual. This irritation happens more than I care to explain. Back to bed when the cell phone rings ten minutes later  and it's some guy bent on telling me about a solar energy program.

         "I don't appreciate being woken at this hour call me after 10 am." I tell him sternly. I have all my friends and relatives trained not call so early. Sure enough, the turd calls back at 10:05. No, I'm not interested in your lame program I tell him, ignoring the hard sell.

         After breakfast of scrambled eggs, guacamole and left over sausage, I rode my bike downtown to do some shopping for this or that but it was very cold and tiring. There was a time, years ago when I had all the shopping done before Thanksgiving. I don't know why it drags on now.

          I got home and decided to do homemade presents because they are more personal and relevant than things made on a mass scale. I enjoy making gifts more than anything so I'm much happier. People will always appreciate a hand made, carefully selected present. A gin and tonic helped ease the way.

        

        

                 

I hate christmas music

Garrison Keillor is getting flack for his column on Christmas in which he complains "Christmas is a Christian holiday - if you're not in the club, then buzz off. Celebrate Yule instead or dance around in druid robes for the solstice."

Wow. Strong words. I mean bringing religion into the holiday, that's ballsy. Of course you wouldn't know it with all the consumerism, decorations featuring snowmen, Santa and reindeer. The producer of the Charlie Brown Christmas from eons ago recalled that the network didn't want Linus' eloquent nativity monologue from St. Luke's. It was too religious they insisted. He was aghast. I'm with him.

I was raised Catholic and understand where it all the traditions, rituals and meanings involved come from. I like the whole gift giving thing and putting up a tree. I like seeing decorative lights but we could do without the cheesy commerical crap passing for christmas music. I grew up hearing traditional European songs like "Adeste Fidelis", and "Ave Maria". I still cry when I hear "I wonder as I wander". Now that's Christmas music.

Keillor and other traditionalists have to get used to the fact that the holiday has been appropriated by many people with many meanings. Let's enjoy this as a time to be with family and friends instead of complaining.

By the way Happy Holidays.