And In Our World of Plenty

It’s almost December. Coolness. I love seeing the colorful, shimmering Yuletide ornaments and hearing the carols, despite the fact that I don’t recognize the holiday’s origins anymore. The universal message of the celebration still appeals to me though, “peace on earth” and all that, but realistically, it’s an opportunity to rest from our year-long slavish routines and be with those who truly matter. I have nice memories of the holidays, of getting together with relatives and friends during vacations, of being in celebratory mode for weeks and dreading the resumption of the colorless, un-festive atmosphere. I still find the bright imagery and energy of Christmas appealing. But its religious semantics have been lost to me for some time already.

That won’t stop me from buying a small, cheap tree and decorating my room, though. The magical lights and the bright trimmings just transport me elsewhere and elsewhen.

Holidaze
I love this folk-pop song. Its words are wise and very timely, and it sounds really playful. Okay, only five people in this country probably know and like this. But go ahead and read it, anyway. Thanks to Sing 365 for the lyrics.

The Christians and the Pagans
Dar Williams

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I, were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style,"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been awhile,"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able.

And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian,"
"But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,

And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother."
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here."
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,

Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.

Thanksgiving
Thanks to fellow Melrose Place-phile (yep, we exist!) Ruel for burning me a CD of great old songs, Benedict for lending me the awesome, AWESOME! Supreme issues by Alan Moore, and everyone else who made the week an okay one for me. You all know who you are. Thankyew!

Hungry Like a Wolf
Ah, it’s past two in the morning and I’m feeling hungry. Just ate a platito of microwave-softened cheese and drank a mugful of cold softdrink. Can’t eat more than that ‘cause it’s late. I'm craving for cake, but we don't have any.

Tagapagligtas


My interpretation of Habagat, a David Hontiveros character. Mixed media, Nov. 2005.