Even if we were not paying much attention, we know it is another election cycle because the desperate are bringing some of the same old garbage out of their cans. That includes the War on Christmas, which has now been around almost as long as the war in Iraq.
We live in the greatest nation on earth when it comes to religious freedom. So, like me, if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas, do it. If you want a special religious display on your front lawn, do it. If you want to send greetings for Hanukah or Kwanza, do it. If you want to go to your Christian church, Jewish temple or Muslim mosque on December 25th, do it.
In America you can do it.
Of course Christmas has been eroded, but it is our fault, the fault of commerce and the god-almighty greed for more dollars.
Just today (12/21) there is a flyer in the South Bend Tribune for a chain store telling us they will be open to midnight on Christmas Eve. Remember when it seemed our world slowed down around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and then stayed that way until December 26th?
There used to be a good sports trivia question: What are the only three days of the year when no major sports events are played? The answer was the day before and after the baseball All-Star Game and Christmas Eve. This year the National Football League has a full slate of games on Christmas Eve and a night game on Christmas day. The NBA, trying to salvage itself from a work stoppage, has something like five games on Christmas day.
And what about my former profession? I spent more Christmas Eves and Christmas days with the local meteorologists anchoring newscasts than I ever did with my own family. Why do we need all of those newscasts on Christmas? Can’t we all take a break from the usual once a year?
I think I have spent my entire adult life trying to get to where I am today to enjoy Christmas. We have an open house for friends and neighbors on Christmas Eve, go to Mass Christmas day, open a few gifts and then put on some happy movies later in the day.
I am at peace with Christmas. God Bless all of you and, hey, Merry Christmas.
Mike
