Christmas Day is almost here. I must admit the day has lost its luster since adulthood. I guess because there is no week off from school or mucho toys under the Christmas tree waiting for me.
I also now feel the day has become too commercialized. Businesses relentlessly try to push their wares on us. And is it may imagination or what that kids are getting greedier for ever more expensive and ever more stuff. It is ridiculous.
Although I am an agnostic I feel the meaning of Christmas has been forgotten. As Christian Churches and organizations argue with stores and elected officials because they say things like “happy holidays” or “holiday tree” in their ads instead of “Merry Christmas” and “Christmas Tree” (of course the use of the term happy holidays is done by me because a person could have been Jewish, Christian or atheist when I was young and nowadays a person also might be Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist in the part of the US I live in so the use of happy holidays is more of a neutral phrase and I will continue to use it) I would rather look at the true reason we celebrate Christmas Day (most likely on the wrong day) and that is because of the birth of Jesus.
There is one Christmas song that summarizes the holiday perfectly. The lyrics of the song define the day, the ecstasy in heaven and the expectations of man and what he should do in his honor. In brief it defines the meaning of Christmas so well and if the singer of the song phrases it correctly you’ll feel the full impact of the day and its meaning (as Josh Groban did in his performance of the Christmas classic). That song is ‘O Holy Night’. I suggest all who want to know the true reason for the celebration of Christmas listen to this song and you’ll understand the meaning of Christmas.
I guess I might as well say, HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
Richard Pryor: I would be very remiss if I didn’t mention the passing this past weekend of a comedian, writer and actor Richard Pryor.
Pryor was known for his x-rated comedy routines and some funny movies. I’ve enjoyed his performances in various venues on many occasions. There was no one as funny as him until Chris Rock in my view. Of course there were and are many that came close like Steve Martin and Robin Williams to name two (there are many others).
Richard Pryor will be missed.