12.21.2005
A Matter Of Words
Every winter I wait for summer, trying to hold on. The biggest hump to get over is the so-called holiday season. Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men. Unless some SOB is reaching for the last Xbox on sale; then break his arm!
Of course, there are those who whine about how Christ has been taken out of Christmas. But most of them still swarm around the shopping malls like hungry rats, trying to get the perfect gift that doesn’t exist.
Some reporter or columnist will write an article about avoiding holiday stress and depression. An expert is interviewed; he will say anyone who is vulnerable should take it easy, not get caught up in the rush and unrealistic expectations.
But the TeeVee will run those seasonal classics, all with the happy endings, reinforcing the programming that tries to keep everyone brainwashed, making sure that the trained rats will spend more this year, keeping sales healthy. After all, that’s the reason for the season: profit$.
Me, I opt out. I don’t bother with the phony greeting cards, overpriced decorations, “perfect” gifts. I don’t need a holiday to wish someone well or to send them a present.
Lately a controversy has erupted over the use of “Merry Christmas.” Some prefer the phrase “Happy Holidays,” acknowledging that not all Americans are Christian, that others have their own beliefs, special celebrations. But that has triggered a strong response by the Faithful. Now if you say “Happy Holidays,” you’re suspected of being a liberal-commie-pinko Christ-hater.
There’s a better way to sum up this time of the year. Forget “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” and even “Season’s Greetings.” Call the whole mess what it really is.
Crap.
# posted by Stan Spire @ 2:09 AM 
