Stirring Creatures

Well, we are all going through that chaotic time that we call Christmas. On the one hand it provides a good argument for atheism and the life of a hermit and on the other it fills one with joy and fellow feeling. Being the life-long cynic that I am, I teeter on the brink of bah humbugging the whole mess and within seconds I am renewed in my faith. Henny Youngman decided the whole issue for me when he said, ” I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave it up- they have no holidays.”

So I am back aboard the Christmas ship…like it or not. I returned in large part because of four grandchildren and some truly funny Christmas movies. The little smiling faces and Cousin Eddy explaining the plate in his head have won me over. I also like the incredible absurdities that are so entertaining.

Some of those absurdities include the tear-filled visit to Santa and the strange lack of resistance that overcomes you as you stand before a large display of chia pets and pajamas that turn into blankets. Ornaments that look like cheeseburgers, baseballs, angels and superheroes add to the crazy effect. This kind of silliness needs to be supported.

The food helps. Lemon zest sugar cookies, prime ribs that cost as much as a month’s rent and various gaudy jello molds are dancing in our heads. Uncle Fred will spike the nog and Aunt Jenny will send us colored socks. Suddenly argyle and snow globes have meaning and we will happily lose money and sleep at an alarming rate. Why not.

So Merry Christmas to all my loved ones in the extended family. May all your Christmases be white and may all your Christmases be silly. It is a wonderful time of year.