So there are 150 versions of "Jingle Bells" on iTunes as of today, performed by everyone and in every style from the Chipmunks to the Three Tenors. My favorite, besides the barking dogs, might be the song "peformed" by Brazilian tree frogs. It's such a familiar song that the free 30-second preview of each is enough for a full dose of cheer. Out of all the Christmas songs out there, this has to be the "Happy Birthday" equivalent: overexposed and yet so fitting to the season. Except that it's supposed to be 70 degrees here on Dec. 25. So much for "seasons."
I also want to ask the question, "What does it mean to wish someone a 'Merry Christmas'?" With all the ballyhoo about the greeting itself being watered down by using "Happy Holidays" to not be offensive to others of different mind, I wonder if anyone's really stopped and thought about why we say it. What constitutes a "merry" Christmas? Is it getting all the stuff you want? Is it being able to spend time with people you love? Is it eating yourself silly with your favorite foods? Is it being filled with the joy of knowing Jesus Christ paid a price to save all of us? Or is it simply just another good day on the calendar? I don't know the answer, because it is different for everyone. And, if none of the above criteria is met, does that mean we have a Sucky Christmas?
Taking the holiday out of the equation, what does it really mean when we tell someone to "Have a nice day." Do we mean it? Do we care? And what on earth makes a "nice" day? Too many questions!
At any rate, have a Merry Christmas. Or at least a nice day.
For those of you with birthdays near Dec. 25 (like my poor son, who will turn 3 the day after), have a Happy Birthday. You deserve better. I can't speak for your parents, but I can say that while the Cutlet was most definitely a planned addition to our family, we had no idea he'd be conceived as soon as he was. We suck at math.
Don't let the fake hustle and bustle of everybody else celebrating whatever it is they're celebrating overshadow your special day.
You've left us a lot to think about over the holidays. I happen to think the answer is any or all of the above. And if you can't manage even one of them, then, yes, you've had a sucky Christmas! :)
Happy birthday to Cutlet. So sad that he has such heartless parents who are bad at math! :) Actually, Sophie was conceived the first try, so we had no idea she come as soon as she did either.
Merry Christmas!
In the words of that wise man, Earl:
Feliz Naviblah!
*My favorite Christmas tune is "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" and the cute little lisping "So, I can Wi-th You Merry Chw-ithma-th."
I hope you enjoy all of your blessings during the holidays. I mean that! :-)
MERRY CHIRSTMAS! hope you and your family have a great one! i expect some cutlet pics!
Thanks for the wishes! Happy Christmas to you, too (as the Brits say).
Merry Christmas and all that is good for '06 to you and the family T Bone.
felicia natividad.. or something.. :)
my mom's birthday is on the 28th of december and i remember all the fun times my dad and i had trying to find birthday cards and birthday gift wrap.. good thing she refuses to celebrate her birthday anymore.
:)
I think you hit the nail on the head: it's whatever means the most to you personally. To us, it's remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross, being together with family and friends, and PRESENTS!!! =)
Happy birthday to the Cutlet!