Poetic Reflections: yuleogy

What, it’s December already? Wasn’t it just Halloween? Oh yes, every day is Halloween in my head. I think I do recall something about Thanksgiving whizzing by, now that I mention it. Still, it can’t be Christmas! I haven’t done any of the usual things, those traditional trappings that accompany the season. Haven’t decorated a tree (wait, there is the small wire one on a shelf above my desk — just a minute — okay, scratch that off the list). Haven’t been hearing carols (well, there might’ve been a few snippets in T.V. shows). Haven’t watched a steady stream of holiday movies (I might see some online — soon, very soon). Haven’t joined the jangling mangling throng of shoppers (so of course I haven’t wrapped gifts, which takes care of the next item). Haven’t mailed cards (good grief, I haven’t even bought cards yet). Wow, I am exceptionally behind!

What have I been doing, if not observing such practices?

Writing, I guess. It’s what I generally do day in and day out. It keeps me sane to some extent. I suppose that contributes a measure of merit to the world. We should all strive for that, we really should.

Pondering the meaning of the universe? Nope, I leave that for the birds to decide.

Pondering my New Year’s resolution? Way too many choices.

But I might ponder the meaning of this whole merry mad rush known as Christmastime. Yes, I might do that since I’ve done so little else to mark the occasion.

Let me commence with a disclaimer. These days you can’t be too careful. Things have changed, drastically. People get upset — even trigger-happy — over so many things. Just about anything, it seems, because there are different angles to look at a thing and most things may be offensive to somebody somewhere for some reason! I doubt I can cover every angle, but I’ll try my best: It is not the author’s intent or purpose to injure or omit or otherwise inflame any group or individual by the wording and images and values discussed herein.

Sound technical enough?

I apologize to anyone offended by my tone, as well. Tones can be alarming, difficult to ignore. Even silent ones. It is best, I find, to wear earplugs and eye patches in public or private so as to be fairly tone-deaf. Of course, that works for me but I am not by any means attempting to insinuate that you should do so yourself. I did not especially advise you to operate a motor vehicle or bicycle or walk across a street in such a manner.

Phew, that was close! Hope I didn’t leave anything out.

I’m growing a bit anxious over this entire disclaiming business. I think I should move on.

Most people around the globe are probably familiar with the themes and typical iconic manifestations and festoonings of this season.

With the Internet, exposure to other cultures has spread more than ever regardless of one’s particular beliefs and customs. Therefore, I think it is safe to make this assumption. Many, whatever their creed and preferences, cannot help but be amused or intrigued or swept up into the gala, the fantasy, the revelry of it all. What’s not to love about a jovial white-bearded saint delivering gifts to children? Cute pointy-eared toymakers happily mass-producing playthings without caring about profit margins and wages? Colored lights and whimsical or stunning decorations adorning houses and lanes? People smiling, bustling about with an extra sense of goodwill and a twinkle in their eye? You’ve gotta love it, even if your last name happens to be Scrooge, because it’s something pretty downright rare and extraordinary!

The true meaning behind it all, of course, has to do with a star and the birth of a baby. This story of humble yet magical origins, whether you accept it or not, is responsible for a major occurrence. For augmenting a colossal annual shift and ripple in the tide of Mankind, despite how jaded and jaundiced we may or may not have become.

Think about it. What other event has touched so many, inspired such a spirit of giving and caring and warmth and community? I can’t think of anything that quite compares. Thus, it is certainly something worthy of celebration, or at the very least respect — whatever one’s own beliefs; whichever traditions are honored and embraced; however involved with decorating and festivities you are (or aren’t). Perhaps it simply instills a spark of wonder. A fondness for some aspect, some happy quality that fills the air along with the heart this time of year like the fragrance of cookies baking in an oven.

I, personally, hope we never lose that spirit — and the goal of peace on earth — because it is truly a joy and a miracle to behold. It is the direction a sane and civilized society should be headed, rather than the divisiveness and touchiness so prevalent these days. But I do see hope, I do see the signs of progress. It is possible to believe in such a world. And that’s what Christmas has accomplished for everyone, everywhere, I feel. It has brought us closer by representing the shining best of humanity — beyond commercialism and holiday stress; aside from religious differences, cultural distinctions — the pure unrefined best that we as one race are capable of.

Well, now that I’ve said what I had to say, it’s time to start my next column: What, it’s January already? It can’t be! I’m still in Twenty Ten!

Oops, I almost forgot. I was supposed to write some poems first. I’ll add that to my list . . .