This was Christmas 1968. I was in the front row on the right in the blue pajamas. I was seriously not happy - as everyone else, besides me got themed pajamas, but I got normal blue ones. This probably was the start of my bah-humbugging perspective on Christmas. It’s not right or good but there it is … Back then I think parenting had a different perspective, I imagine my folks saying “suck it up” as opposed to getting me themed pajamas. I never got themed pajamas.
Now, at 54 years of age, as opposed to four, my reaction to the holiday season is not that vastly different. I do all the stuff - Christmas music, gifts, decorating … all of it - but with a cynical eye. But as I am playing my Pandora Christmas music station at full blast in my car on the interstate going the speed limit and cars are passing me - instead of screaming at them to go the speed limit; I just sing (scream) along with the music - to the point of hoarseness. Which, I guess is good that I am celebrating in song the “reason for the season” … but is it in the right context? Or decorating. Is it right or good that the decorations on my tree include beer coasters or that I threaten to put up the sign “no decorations as I have converted to Judaism for the month of December”?
I need to become good with the fact that I didn’t get themed pajamas in 1968, and I need to understand the reasons as to “why” I use Christmas music to rage against bad drivers, and “why” I feel the need to question and criticize and bah humbug. I need to focus on the goodness of the season -- generosity, caring for one another, good memories of family and loved ones.
I read on a post the other day that not everyone enjoys the holidays like we are “supposed to” per the Hallmark channel. If you don’t feel 100% festive, know that it’s all right. If you want to celebrate that’s fine and it’s all right if you don’t. If your plans don’t include the traditional ways of observing - that’s cool. Whatever your plans are for next week - I hope you have the best time possible…and me? I love the warm December, and rage singing “O Holy Night” is a joyful activity. Feliz Navidad!