A Festivus for the Rest of Us

MILWAUKEE: "Kevin Campanella hates buying and receiving Christmas presents that he says inevitably disappoint. This year, no such worries. Campanella plans to seek "serenity now" by celebrating Festivus, a wacky holiday popularized in a 1997 "Seinfeld" episode." -Associated Press 12/21/06

At first glance, this seems like a slap in the face of Father Christmas. But a more careful examination of the holiday reveals more:

In protest of Christmas' commercialism, character Frank Costanza puts up an unadorned aluminum pole instead of a tree. Billed as "Festivus for the rest of us," the holiday celebrated by the Costanza clan on Dec. 23 features an airing of grievances and feats of strength in which a guest must pin the host before the party ends. (Seinfeld 12/18/97)

A unique protest, no doubt. Which might beg the question, what am I doing to "protest Christmas' commercialism"? Or am I just like everyone else, all caught up in the shopping frenzy?

It seems a revival of the alternative holiday might be just what we need. But if we air any grievances, let's gripe about our own lack of holiday spirit. In the Festivus spirit, let's give more to local charities (and perhaps volunteer?). At the very least, we should move that nativity scene out from under all those gifts under our tree. Now I'm not advocating we abandon Christmas, but if 'Christmas' means buying gifts in the 21st century, then we might need a new paradigm to refocus and celebrate the birth of our Savior. And Festivus just might fit the bill. (Besides, wrestling could be a fun new tradition.)

[see also www.whatisfestivus.com or the Festivus blog]

Ring Them Bells

I was inspired by my friend Elizabeth's recent post (here)... it reminded me of a Bob Dylan song...
Ring them bells, ye heathen From the city that dreams,
Ring them bells from the sanctuaries Cross the valleys and streams,
For they're deep and they're wide And the world's on its side
And time is running backwards And so is the bride.
I saw a Salvation Army bell-ringer again today... here's a neat idea: keep some $1 bills handy when you go shopping, and be sure to bless that bucket this Christmas season...
Ring them bells Sweet Martha, For the poor man's son,
Ring them bells so the world will know That God is one.
Oh the shepherd is asleep Where the willows weep
And the mountains are filled With lost sheep.
[PS. Does anyone remember the First Call version? I had to ask because it was one of my favorite groups from the 90's (now defunct ala PFR (another great band); They recorded it on their Human Song album. It was good... thought I would let you know. Done rambling now.]