Old Forge, NY.
A very inspiring time of year, in the worst and best ways. Suicides too often inspired through loneliness and the deep sadness knowing those who brightened our past Christmases are no longer with us. Then we have idiotic culture wars where the politically and theologically correct insist others JUST say, or not say, “Merry Christmas.”
Culture wars this time of year turn too many of us into a collective philosophical gremlin or Grinch, eager to add to the ever overflowing cistern that can produce an endless supply of depression.
Yet, despite such Ken the Downer comments I do find people generally kinder, my local tiny town brighter, more beautiful: as if I ever imagined that even possible. I find these kind souls more considerate and even less confrontational, despite my culture war comments i mostly keep to myself. Movies better, though this year’s crop seems an exception. Where this year’s Gremlins or Mars Attacks? Or yet another more traditional Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life?
And the LIGHTS!
Tis the Season!
Tis the Season?
”Jesus is the reason for the season!” But it’s so much more than that. I don’t wish to deny ANYONE seasonal joy ever, and especially now. Even among Christians there are so many variations on belief. That could be a blessing, everyone expressing different aspects to “he who we worship.” But beyond that…
For you maybe it’s Kwanza, Santa-ism? Go for it! Yeah, I made “Santa-ism” up. My rhetorical gift to you, Dear Readers. May just the joy of lights, just all the goodwill, just the gathering of friends and family, make the season more magical, more precious, more holy for you. As in “holiday” IS derived as a concept and word from “Holy Day.” Whatever YOU find “holy” is my wish for you: may it bring great joy. May it be the fire truck that dampens depression.
May we banish Krampus.
May we at least be able to ignore our Christmas gremlins; those who get great joy from destroying joy, throwing acidic eggnog on diverse gatherings.
Of course Jesus wasn’t born on this date, according to most biblical scholars. Does that really matter? With all the horrors extremism brings to us, one of the better offerings for kind Christians was appropriating the date from pagan sources. Not so kind for some of them. They too deserve great joy from the kinder aspects to what they believe.
No matter what kindness is offered there are always those eager to use it to hurt others. So let us not drink from their poisonous cups, open their horrific gifts, or at least not let them have the power to depress us. We have the power to deny them what apparently gives them pleasure: other’s misery.
So say Merry Christmas, season’s greetings, have a cheer filled crazy Kwanza… say them all!
Happy holidays or happy Hanukkah. Spell it Chanukah, Hanukah, Hannukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Hanuka, Channukah, Chanukka, Hanukka, Hannuka, Hannukkah, Channuka, Xanuka, Hannukka, Channukkah Channukka, Chanuqa… use them all!
I’m fine with skeptics joining this diverse gathering. We are here for all of us, for as much kindness and respect for differences the season can inspire.
For biblically “unto US a child (was) born.” NOT just to be “king of (only) the jews.” Certainly not just for any single politically or theologically correct group.
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“Inspection” is a column that has been written by Ken Carman for over 50 years. Inspection is dedicated to looking at odd angles, under all the rocks and into the unseen cracks and crevasses that constitute the issues and philosophical constructs of our day: places few think, or even dare, to venture.
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