Anyway, was just contemplating the futility of a Christmas countdown. Since when did everything become something you can count down to? New Years, Christmas, heck, i bet there are even CNY and Deepavali countdowns somewhere. (haha, not that i do that for birthdays.. no, no way *furtive glances*) Anyway, a few minutes before midnight on Christmas Eve, i am watching a movie [Confessions of Pain if you must know. Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung Chi Wai. *drooool*] and i must note it's full of Ah Bengs and Ah Lians (dear god) and then large hordes of them start running out of the cinema. Surprise Surprise... they're rushing for the Christmas Countdown!
Driving out of Times Square later on, can see families of uncles, aunties, small kids and couples in santa hats walking out of their countdown. No, i didn't see enough to see what the fuss was all about. But i grumble about these things 'cos i don't see the point of it.
Christmases shouldn't be grumbly.
I did have a cheery, holiday spirit thought earlier on though. For purposes of jolliness and merry-making, and the fact that i saw about 3 or 4 Christmas time sitcom shows in a row this afternoon, my musings of why christmas is worth the trouble:
1) The whole world gets obsessed over santa hats, mistletoe, christmas trees, christmas carols (maybe this is in the gripe category) and the general holiday spirit. In a weird way, i thought about how cool it is that St. Nicholas a.k.a Santa Claus is reborn every year.
This website says that he was a regular Robin Hood in his day, 'cept he didn't steal his booty but just sold his own stuff to help the poor. Maybe he didn't have the red suit and the hat, but that someone so generous is allowed to exist all around the world every year all at the same time -at least in the eyes of the children who are peddled his tale- is nothing short of a miracle. Somehow it gives me faith in what the human spirit can achieve if it sets out to do something. In other streams of thought, it's sort of like a giant international flash mob (i took the liberty of linking to a definition).2) People are compelled to, whether by their better nature, guilt or just the mood of the season, to give. Give love, make love, show love - everything at Christmas time. Charity is rife and much needed too. At least it's an excuse to show what one person can do.
3) It's a family together time. Turkey, tree and presents aside, it's when you can roast chestnuts on an open fire (well, maybe not in malaysia), but at least have a meal or a moment with your nearest and dearest. People shouldn't have to be given a reason to do so, but if they must, then at least Christmas is one.
4) It's a good catch up time. When people send cards, or wishes, or gifts just to show you care. Don't get me wrong, forwarded e-mails do the same thing (or so they claim) but somehow personal wishes have that slight edge over them.
Jeannie's Environmental Gripes about Christmas:
1) Present wrapping is pretty. i use lots of wrapping paper too. But it kills trees!
2) Turkey is yummy. So are all the trimmings. But you tend to eat more than you have to. Overconsumption! Poor earth and poor hungry people elsewhere.
3) Christmas lights and deco are bright and happy. They use a lot of electricity and plastic/other building material. Like we weren't burning enough fuel already!
4) Receiving cards in the mail is nice. But how much more paper are we using, and how many extra planeloads of fuel to carry the extra mail? Maybe i should've sent e-cards too. =(
*sigh* i'm guilty of all the above too, so not pointing the finger. but yeah, like the perodua ad says:
Maybe next year, Christmas should be less about you, and more about othersOh yeah, haha... Merry Christmas everyone!
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