Libertarian Librarian

I was going to write a scathing, "You guys suck!" post in response to the total lack of response I got from my post last Wednesday. Then Mama H had to go and leave me a thoughtful and useful suggestion. Grumble, grumble. Well, the rest of you guys suck. Mutter, grumble.

Alright, alright. Please weigh in on my deathless prose if you wouldn't rather be eaten alive by ancient Egyptian scarab beetles.

In other news. Christmas seems to be making a comeback. Likely because of the frothing tirades unleashed by Rush and Hannity and the like over the last few Christmas seasons. And I will admit it always bugged me a little that Christmas trees were suddenly becoming Holiday trees, and Christmas parties becoming Holiday parties, but the "War on Christmas" concept was so dreadfully overblown it was laughable.

Of more concern to me is the increasing and neverending commercialism of Christmas. Certainly the joy and fun my children have with presents and Santa and flying reindeer and the whole ball of wax is a blessing, and I don't mind exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones. It's a nice thought at a joyous time of year, and why not? But stores had Christmas decorations on the shelves before Halloween!

Are you kidding me? Radio stations started playing Christmas songs before Thanksgiving. Non-stop! 24/7. Including that dreadful song about cancer and shoes. Could that possibly be any more maudlin and depressing?

So, I got me a "Keep Christ in Christmas" sign, and I talk with my kids about the real meaning of Christ's birth. And I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, the purest, sweetest, most beautiful Christmas show ever made. Linus' speech really does capture the true meaning of Christmas:

Charlie Brown: [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'".

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Indeed.

Labels: Miscellaneous