I love any holiday, even if it’s not part of my culture or faith. What’s not to like about celebrating and happiness? Seeing other people happy? Learning new traditions about other people and places?

But…

There are some holiday issues that confuse, okay, irritate me as a writer and observer. The first is that song, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, written by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne. The context is that it was written against the backdrop of the Cuban missile crisis 1962. Married at the time, they wrote it as a plea for peace. That’s admirable, but the words of the fourth stanza are:

Said the king to the people everywhere:
“Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
Listen to what I say!
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light.

If you know the history of Christianity, Herod was king. And he ordered the arrest and murder of all male children because he was afraid this ‘newborn king’ that shepherds and Wise Men talked about would dethrone him. So, yeah. Time for that verse to go. Maybe change ‘king’ to ‘world leaders’ or ‘humankind’ that fits better with the world situation.

Photo by Mike Bird: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-wearing-crown-statue-189528/

What War?

There is no war on Christmas. I see “Merry Christmas” with all kinds of decorations and public celebrations EVERYWHERE. Songs on the radio and in stores. People saying Merry Christmas. Where is Christmas being threatened? It’s not. Just because someone says “Happy Holidays” doesn’t mean they are demeaning anyone’s faith- they just don’t know yours. Listen, if you’re going to wish me “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” I’m going to thank you for the kind sentiment and wish you the same, whatever you celebrate. Let’s all enjoy joy, wherever it comes from, okay?

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Everybody, Join In!

December hosts many different celebrations like Hannukah, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and others that float based on religious calendars like Eid ul-Adha, etc. I love seeing the Diwali lights as much as Christmas lights. Hannukah candles as much as Advent candles. Bring it all on! It amazes me how many people celebrate something–and we get to enjoy it too. There is more reason to celebrate together than not.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

So, Hum Along…

I get it, the sheer repetition of the holiday songs can be annoying, especially if Christmas isn’t your thing. But there are songs that don’t belong to a faith, they’re for everyone:

Jingle Bells

Sleigh Ride

Let It Snow

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Vivaldi’s Winter Storm

Winter Wonderland

Carol of the Bells (This was originally a Ukrainian song about the New Year but was revised to become a carol, but you can still enjoy it for its melody.)

Photo by Tiểu Bảo Trương: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-playing-on-the-ukulele-10606717/

And Finally…

Ugly Christmas Sweaters. I say why should only a few have the fun? Let’s make it ugly HOLIDAY sweaters for everyone! We can all laugh, and tease, and have fun. No one should be denied participation. And the following year, everyone try to up their game. While we’re busy having fun, we’ll be too busy to argue with and hurt each other. I think it’s another December holiday that we need.

Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-holding-red-ceramic-mug-6518863/

Wishing you and your family and friends, pets and colleagues, partners and housemates, EVERYONE a joyful, hopeful, celebration of your faith, your beliefs, your wishes, your observances.