Things I dislike about Christmas:
The exoteric Christian ‘message,’ which I don’t believe has anything to do with Jesus’ ministry.
The words to Christmas carols, for the same reason.
The fact that Christmas has been hijacked by crass commercialism.
The pressures that get heaped on poor people to spend money they can’t afford. As if their lives aren’t difficult enough already.
The Coca Cola version of Santa Claus – surely one of the best brainwashing tricks in the history of mankind. Not as big as the exoteric Christian message, but close.
The fact that millions of innocent birds and animals are slaughtered, so that people can say ‘Ooh, doesn’t that look great’ at the dinner table.
Christmas editions of TV crap that are even crappier than the un-Christmas editions. I left this until last because at least we don’t have to watch them.
Things I like about Christmas:
The fact that people are, for once, inclined towards peace and love rather than suspicion and hate. Please don’t tell me this has anything to do with the Christian ‘message,’ because it existed long before Christianity was foisted on the world by a load of people who didn’t even know Jesus.
Bringing colour, light, and the natural world into the house during the darkest and coldest part of the annual cycle.
Seeing children’s eyes light up with wonder. I love to see kids feeling magic.
Drinking a rare single malt scotch while preparing the Christmas dinner. Which is what I’m doing at the moment.
The fact that terrestrial TV shows a few decent films, which I can record to help pass the dark nights through January.
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This is a personal opinion, of course. Yell at me if you like. I’ve had several rare single malts and, frankly my dears, I don’t give a damn.
6 comments:
You big silly man!
Oh Chantelle, thank you, whoever you are. Actually, I'm only 5ft 8. Silly, definitely. Stupid, only sometimes.
Couldn't have said these better myself, Mr. Beazley. I just found out about our modern Santa, and I much prefer the green-dressed, Odin-wanderer-like one.
Good gracious, Kaetlyn. I was expecting a less-than-friendly rap on the head with a shelalagh (OK, you can hit me for the spelling!) Must admit, I was in a malt-inspired, couldn't-give-a-toss, ranting mood when I wrote that. It happens. Thank you for not excommunicating me.
I think this is a wonderful post, Jeff. It's funny that every time you fear that you're going to offend someone you apologize in advance or you sound almost defensive by saying "Well, it's my blog...etc." I'm not criticizing you, just wondering where that comes from? Old parental stuff. And usually, the posts you think are going to offend someone, are the posts I like the best! I'm slowly making my way now through everyone's Christmas/holiday posts and then hopefully I'll catch up. So, don't think I haven't been commenting for any other reason than that.
Interesting point, Wendy. Actually, I think it stems more from several years experience of contributing to writers' forums and being shocked by just how easily offended a lot of people are. What comes across to you as an apology is really more a sort of pre-emptive stike. But maybe it's just as much a fault for that.
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