"Making Christmas!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grinch

Sometimes stress from the holidays make us reconsider how we spend our time. It makes me want to bow out completely! My escape involves indulging in fantasies like running away to a foreign beach for Christmas, sending postcards back home to family and loved ones. 

Tim Burton feels my angst. My favorite "Anti-Xmas Hype" song of all-time is "Making Christmas" from the animated film, The Nightmare Before Christmas ( my favorite movie, which you already know: http://mariedoucette.blogspot.com/2011/10/nightmare-before-christmas.html ). The town decides to help Jack Skellington co-opt the holiday, albeit in their typically dark fashion:

This time of year can be a hotbed of dysfunction, bringing out the best or the worst in people. Ever been elbowed in the ribs by a harried shopper, caught up in the frenzy for this year's top-selling item, in an overcrowded and overheated store? What a crazy way to spend the day! I'd rather spend my time with like-minded souls. 

http://brendariddle.blogspot.com/2010/11/mistletoe-make-bake-2010-day-2.html

 

http://baptistsforbrown2008.wordpress.com/2007/12/

It's also the reason I avoid midtown during the holidays. My grandfather used to say, "Buy for Baby Jesus!", perfectly mocking the ridiculousness and hypocrisy about spending an ungodly amount of money in celebration of a holiday which lauds totally different values. 

http://jerusalemtrading.com/

Under our Christmas trees, besides presents, there's a manger which represents the birth of Jesus Christ. As a child, I moved the statues of The Three Wise Men closer and closer to the Nativity Scene in the town of Bethlehem, during the month of December and into early January. They followed a bright star as a guide, bearing gifts of frankincense and myrrh to honor His birth. We place a white bulb for the star above the manger, hanging angel ornaments near His crib.

http://www.frankchambers.com/

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total "Grinch". I enjoy reflecting upon the people in my life by giving them things I hope they like. There's no annoying slogans with me, like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!" It's too strident. We should try to let our actions and thoughts show everyone what's it's all about. 

 

That's my Christmas wish for this year!