PERSON: THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

A few days before Halloween I needed to run an errand to one of the big box hardware stores. Upon entering what to my wondering eyes should appear but Santa Claus and eight tiny reindeer, with all the Christmas fixing. Only thing missing was “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”. Not being as agile as in previous years, my inter self wanted to let out a death defying karate yell and take a flying leap on the newly decorated flocked Christmas tree.

The jump from Labor Day in early September to Christmas trees in October tears at ever fiber of my being. Norman Rockwell would be hard pressed making a living in today’s world. I can imagine Norman saying, ” Hey guys, my next meal depends on portraits of family values”.

A few years ago I asked an attorney friend if Christmas stress was grounds for divorce? His reply, ” you must have a wife like mine seeking the perfect tree, perfect decorations, and perfect gifts, right down to the postman”. To use a lawyers vernacular, ” I rest my case”. Years ago shortly after Thanksgiving ( remember Thanksgiving where you gave thanks for your blessings and any mention of Christmas banished you from the table.) I would begin the task of hiding all the sharp pointed instruments in the home. Two reasons, first you could cut the stress factor with a knife, second you could cut the stress factor with a knife.

A side note and word of advice to all those college coaches recruiting potential football players. Visit a big box store of your choosing. Video the moves and tenacity of a woman going for the last gift to complete her shopping list. God help anyone between her and the mission. Those abilities are what you should be looking for in a recruit.

A couple of years ago in a very weak moment I was talked into accompanying my better half to a mall four days before the big day. Upon arriving, I came out of my shopping coma berating myself for being so weak minded. Faking bad knees and bad back, I immediately found the nearest seating section near Starbucks. As predicted, ninety-percent of the occupants were husbands and/or boy friends hoodwinked into thinking, ” it’s only one store she needs to visit”. When the wives were out of hearing distance I took a straw vote. “How many of you feel money is the perfect Christmas gift”? The vote was a unanimous yes, but a few of the younger men checked their six before voting. You may not be aware, but women have the same hearing senses that dogs have.

I may sound like Scrooge, but I do love the seasons and the chaos it brings. I also love the fact with age comes wisdom. For me, relaxing with a cup of cheer, listening to a Christmas album by Michael Buble’ . Also the happiness or disappointment for the right or wrong gift, the laughter of family and friends, and the sigh of relief when you think, “is it all over”? As the last ribbon and shred of wrapping paper hits the floor the realization kicks in. Where and when did society make such a mockery of Christmas. Maybe mankind needs to revisit how it all began. Many years ago a baby was born in a manger bringing hope, peace and promise to all the world. That is the real “reason for the season”.