OK, I can’t lie – I am caught up in the holiday season. (Living as Santa Claus all month can do that to you!) I call it the “holiday season” not to be politically correct, but simply because the period from mid-November through the 1st day of the new year is chock full of holidays. You decide which ones to celebrate, and more power to you!
My mother was half Jewish, but she was a Christmas nut, and she infected all of us kids with a righteous love for that holiday. For us kids, it meant presents, yes, but the overall feeling of the season – the conviviality, the cheer, the celebration of life and goodwill – it was inherent and pervasive. And that feeling has endured – our mom’s passion had stuck with us.
For some folks of faith, it’s important to remind us of the “reason for the season”, and sure, OK, that’s fine. But the overall feeling of the season is bigger than one belief system, and the overarching tenor of the season is to set aside differences and embrace the things that we have in common: family, charity, friends, generosity, music. Nobody owns the season – and why should they? Nobody can “steal” Christmas, and I don’t think anybody wants to.
Here in the northern hemisphere, the season is inextricably linked to winter, and it seems to be a good fit. We’re out shopping and socializing (and participating in charitable events) and it seems totally natural that we need to wear coats and scarves (and ugly sweaters) and it’s dark outside by 5 PM. And yes, baby, it’s cold outside. When we arrive at our friends’ holiday parties our cheeks and nose are a little red.
For bluegrass fans (in the northern hemisphere, at least) Christmas season is a time to visit friends and steam up their windows with singing and laughter. Bluegrass may a front porch music form, but sometimes the porch is too cold or wet and we have to bring the party inside.
Trapped in those tight quarters, we just don’t have room to debate over religious differences, or even the incredibly important “Flatt & Scruggs vs Monroe vs Jimmy Martin vs Stanley Brothers” debates.
Maybe being stuck indoors trying to stay warm helps us takes stock of our lives and contemplate the things that make life wonderful, and spurs us to appreciate anew our friends and families, and to resolve to carve out more time, effort and money to help those less fortunate. And next year, we’ll recharge all over again.
