Idea of Christmas

It's Christmas... again.  Perhaps you already know what is going to be written.  The same negative things year in and year out.  By now though most, if not all of the shopping is done, so we can all agree that the cliché of the hustle and bustle through the crowds of people and swamps of merchandise is exactly what it is: miserable.  If you want I could even throw the word "nonsense" in there as well—it is Christmas—I too am willing to give.  



Deep down though we all know it's more than being placed in uncomfortable situations at Christmas parties or having to meet people you don't even know just because you work with them. What about family?  Perhaps the funniest most ironic part of the holidays is being surrounded by loved ones whose character you despise.  Why put up with it all then?  It isn't for the gifts.  Surely, they are a part of it though.  It feels great to give that perfect gift, especially if that person didn't expect it. 

Christmas is a time where it was okay to want.  Surely, desire is something we are all used to on a regular basis but it's a little different this time of year.  Somehow I don't see wives putting up with rude brother in-laws and stale cigar smoke for a gift-card.  I don't think children want to play with cousins that they hardly know for a sweater they will never want to wear.  We give gifts out of love and appreciation not because it is the "right thing to do."  If we did that it would be the "wrong thing to do."



There is definitely something more important that surrounds this time of year.  Love seems to be the popular theme.  Take a look at American cinema throughout the years.  Watch every ending.  I bet somewhere on youtube there is a compilation of Christmas movie endings just waiting to be watched!  Merry Christmas movie house!  It certainly is a wonderful life isn't it?  It depends where one looks.   If you curse while putting the kids in the car before going to grandma's house, then maybe not so much. Then again, it must be wonderful to give or a receive a Lexus on Christmas. Or, more simply, give that special someone the moon.



It isn't about money though. It's about cookies, smiles, and snow. Blinking lights on tinsel covered pines, egg-nog with brandy, and kisses under the mistletoe. Caring, love, and joy all wrapped up and tied with a pretty red bow. The songs, the caroling, and the spirit make for a time that is rather fast appear slow but just for a moment.



The idea of the holidays: fabricated in the mind and produced by the heart. There will be a time you hear, “it's here already, and “it's already over.” Maybe that's why it is special. Like something you didn't even know you were waiting for and then it left like it was really never there. We know it was there though because it left quite a mess. When the spirit leaves the magic is gone. What was once a Christmas tree is now a prickly stick with garbage thrown on it. Full red stockings are now empty old socks. Even the cookie jar with the snow-man appears to be insignificant and foolish.



Alone or not, it is something we all share and are a part of. I don't know if Angels get their wings every time bells ring. I don't know why Santa is a fat, bearded man. What puzzles me most is why some people cry on Christmas. Perhaps too much joy for just one to bear. They must be just words and thoughts intended for one's “bad ear.”

As fast as it came the quicker it will go. Each family photo and picture with friends becomes a fixed moment in time. I'm sure we can all remember something from the Christmas of '98. You probably have a decoration you still use from that year, perhaps even before. And as the cacophony of those three exciting sounds are sent into the air, enjoy your family, friends, and one-another until next year.



Merry Christmas



J. M. Hobby
Christmas Eve, 2013