The holiday season is officially here
Well, Halloween has come and gone and now we are staring into the holiday season. Where did this year go?
Thanksgiving is just three weeks from today. Just three weeks!
Christmas is less than eight weeks away.
It seems with each new holiday season the Village of Wellington has to cope with its "Holiday Display."
Oops! Did I just step in the annual brouhaha that is the "Holiday Display" in Wellington? Yes I did. On purpose too. You're probably thinking, "Dude, are you crazy?" When I first started this entry, I thought I was too. But let me explain.
Two things sent me down this path. First, my daughter asked me if we had to do the whole "Santa Claus" thing again this year. More on this later. Second, someone sent me an email that is credited to Ben Stein. You know, he's the guy from TV ("Win Ben Stein's Money"), was one of Richard Nixon's speechwriters, is the author of several books and a staunch supporter of the GOP (although he did give $2,000 to Al Franken's senate campaign, according to the AP).
Let's take a look at Ben Stein's comments in the context of this annual wringing of hands in the sleepy Village of Wellington. And let's hope we don''t make it back on Bill O'Reilly's show.
Here is the text of Ben's commentary.
Perhaps we, as a community, should embrace his thoughts. He doesn't feel threatened or discriminated against because a Christmas tree is displayed. Neither does he feel threatened by the display of a creche or a menorah. Maybe we shouldn't either.
He sums it up best by saying, "It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year." And this time of year gives us the opportunity, as a community, to treat each other as brothers and sisters. Let's hope the Village sees it the same way and continues with the "Holiday Display".
On to my daughter's comment of having to do the whole "Santa Claus" thing again this year.
Ever the clever questioner, she asked me whether or not I still believed in SC. I replied in two terse words, "OF COURSE."
I got one of those looks back. As a parent, you know that look. Not really sure which one it was, but I'm pretty certain I have it narrowed down to two: "Dad, you're an idiot." or "Dad, you're such a dork!"
Frankly, I don't care. But I do have pretty strong feelings on this issue, though.
It really isn't about the jolly, chubby guy in the red and white suit. It is definitely about the spirit of the season.
My feeling is that the spirit of this season is with us all year ... but the season brings it to the surface for most people. In this time of year we feel grateful, thankful and joyous.And we show it much more now than in, say, July and August.
So, let us not forget those less fortunate that are we. Give that homeless shelter some of your time. While you're at it, make a small monetary donation. They will really appreciate it ... the organization and the most important part -- the people they serve.
Let the season be with us all ... And let's remember this as we search for a parking place at the Mall on November 23rd. You know, the day after Thanksgiving.
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