Christmas Evolution

Congrats to my sister and my new brother-in-law. It was a beautiful wedding last Tuesday; I’m glad I was able to attend. Wearing a barong after over a decade initially felt strange, like I was cosplaying, but I’m happy to dress up in something formal for once and be part of that special occasion with the family.

So this is Christmas Eve. Yeah, I’m still agnostic. But I’ve mellowed a little. I still can’t abide the holier-than-thou religious leaders, but I’m happily discovering people belonging to religious groups who are thinking for themselves. As for the holiday season, I really like what Kitty Pryde said about celebrating it in a scene from Uncanny X-Men # 365.

Colossus: But Kitty, you are Jewish. You do not celebrate Christmas.

Kitty: Not as a religious holiday, but I still enjoy the festivities. I like the decorations and the songs and the presents.

That’s also how I feel about it. I’m reposting lyrics to one of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs, which has a message that I’ve always liked. And yeah, here’s a collage of my recent Christmas drawings. So enjoy the season, be safe, and Happy Holidays, whichever they may be.

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.