Christmas these days is kind of like going on a vacation to
a sunny beach if you’re originally from the north. You see all these pictures
and videos of people having fun and only have a week and you have to rush from “fun
to fun.” After all you paid your money damn it and everybody says it’s a blast
so ya gotta go. Every day and every minute. But, the truth is somehow it’s just not quite
matching up to the reality of it.
It’s not that the
beach isn’t pretty and the ocean isn’t awesome. It’s just that I don’t have
time to “look and ponder it.” I gotta rush and have fun don’tcha know? Christmas is kind of like that. I see it on
t.v. The gorgeous white bread or Cosby families with happy smiles and toys
piled high and driving the brand new
vehicle to grandma’s house over the snow.
Now, I’m southern so driving over the snow hasn’t been much
of an issue in my life during Christmas. But, the snow on T.V. is never slick.
Nobody runs off the road and nobody worries if they can afford the heat or
groceries next week. Now, I’m not saying I want to see a commercial about
poverty. I’m like everybody else. Maybe if I don’t look at it it’ll go away.
But, still. If you’ve lost someone and if maybe Aunt Alice is really not jolly
this year and forgot to watch for that patch of ice and broke her hip…well that’s
not the American dream either.
Hey, remember that time the Brady Bunch had a death in the
family and Carol had a spot on her breast and they didn’t have medical
insurance? Oh, me neither. But, remember
that time the Cosby kids were having to duck behind the couch right in the
middle of the Christmas meal because the gang bangers were shooting up into the
sky because it was cooler than fireworks and Rudi got wounded?
Oh yeah, right. Me neither.
So, all I’m saying is it’s great to post how happy you are
on facebook. Although, I really don’t care if you had taco’s before bed last
night. Someone, somewhere might. It’s not hurting anyone that’s for sure.
But, if like me this season brings some bittersweet memory
and you at times just wish it would be over. If you wonder why all your friends
on facebook have the biggest, bestest, greatest families and relationships ever. If you wonder when that old friend from
school that wasn’t born rich or snotty became such a comfortable religious cold
hearted conservative or the formerly conservative type who loved Jesus became a
know it all liberal pompous ass. Well, I wonder myself.
So, from my scroogy little heart I say Bah Humbug. But, from
my inner soul I say Thank God for another year. Another day. Another chance to
get it right or at least better. So, celebrate family and loved ones and friends.
Even celebrate what you had for dinner last night and I’ll be glad to look at
the screen shot of your coffee shop Pumpkin Spice Caramel Swirl Latte. J
But, my heart goes out to those who are lost (not in a
religious sense) this year and this season. Those who don’t have cousins by the
dozens and Christmas hams. Those who miss a touch or smile and long to just “go back” for a minute.
God Bless you. God bless us everyone.
Peace.
