In so many ways that statement is true. It certainly can be nothing more than graffiti with punctuation, but it doesn't have to be.
For me, secluded such as i am, it offers me an outlet. A vehicle, if you will, to connect with the outside world. A metaphysical reality where I have a value beyond the physical bonds of this earth. An alternate reality where the ideas and beliefs i put forth are simply accepted and occasionally discussed, but yet judgement for these thoughts is left off the table. This doesn't mean there are no dissenting opinions rather it's a world where all opinions are given their rightful respect in order to move forward in mutual commonality.
The best example of this, this week, would be the customary proclamation for the season. Well, what is the customary proclamation for the season? If you ask in this part of the country, more often than not you are going to get Merry Christmas. I have no problem with this. It seems reasonable enough, but yet it's pretty exclusive to one group of people while many share the same season for celebration. Perhaps, Happy Chanukah would be more appropriate. Though removed such as i am, the likelihood of this being the correct choice is remote. For many years, I have simply said, "Happy Holidays". It seems reasonable enough. I mean this time of the year is a festival for most belief systems and the word holidays is an assimilation of the words Holy and Days; Holidays. I find this to be neither exclusive nor demeaning at all. No, not even to those with no religious affiliation.
The greatest of these debates has really gained volume this year. Is it a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree? Well, i say call it what you like. Let's be sensible for a moment. It's your tree and your beliefs, e.g. it would be your ( place label here) tree. I was at the devil store the other day. Devil store is a euphemism i often use in place of Wal-Mart. If you are a writer and you are looking for some dialogue as to how "normal" everyday people talk, Wal-Mart comes in second only to the Waffle House. Two women were about to come to blows over this very thing. With the conceal carry laws in Texas, i put a few aisles between me and those two hot-heads. I ask, because i genuinely want to know. Does it matter what it's called?? My guess is surely not since the Winter Solstice celebrations pre-date Christianity by several hundred years. The solstice marks the shortest day of the year and reminded early peoples that spring was on it's way. Hence the use of evergreens, holly, and yes even mistletoe. However, is it really as complicated as all that??
Regardless of your religious stripe isn't the important thing to consider the way we treat each other? It's a celebration for family and friends. Too often we are removed from our loved ones by geography or just the pace of modern life. It's a time to check in with your friends and ask how they are doing, it's probably been too long since you heard their voices anyway. It's also a good time to do something unexpected for someone who needs it. This doesn't have to mean going on a shopping spree. This time of year there are many elderly people that would like nothing better than to have someone to talk to for a little while. I realize this sounds horribly idyllic, especially with all of the ne'er-do-wells out there, but it's simple and simple works. If you do it today, certainly someone will take your example and go forward in your footprints. At the very least, it's a wonderful thought clouded in a world of petty arguments.
So i send you forward with this simple plan: Hug your family a little longer than normal you'll both feel better, Call a friend and check on them both of you will benefit, and find a way to give of yourself even if it's only for a few moments, it could mean the world to someone.
In addition to my customary closing of Peace be with you, i'll include Happy Holidays. Dave
