Last Saturday as I settled into the barber’s chair Jerry hit me with THE QUESTION. You know, the one that everyone reflexively asks at this time of year: "Ready for Christmas?"
"Yep, I’m just waiting for it to show up," I said.
"Wow, so you’ve finished all of your shopping?"
"Nope."
Baffled by this ho-hum response, Jerry asked me how could I say "I’m ready for Christmas." The answer is quite simple. Christmas, as I view it, has very little to do with shopping or presents. This is a heretical notion, but it’s one that I find comforting nevertheless. It doesn’t take much for me to "get ready" to experience the pervasive joy that arrives by late Christmas Eve. All it takes is a sense of childlike wonder and silent reverence.
(and a total refusal to equate consumerism with Christmas).
P.S. If you want a better practice, start using the 80/20 Principle.
Finally, someone that agrees with me. I have said for years that we have lost the true meaning of Christmas in the US. We spend too much time worried about what we are going to buy one another that we forget the true joy of the holiday.
Thank you Ernie for your post.
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. 🙂