"Hark the herald angels sing!...."
Look at him, elegantly adorned and majestic in stance and presence. The Rockefeller Center CHRISTMAS Tree of course, what were you thinking? Today it will be lighted, or should I say the lights will be turned on. Unfortunately, I cannot confidently say the same, for most of humanity. Sigh and snap out of it quick. Well, here we are again. It’s that time of the year and my yuletide yearnings, are on full blast.
The streets are smiling, the curb-sides are jolly and the buildings jingle, or they appear to sometimes. There is also the human element, that comes in form of pushing and shoving crowds. Strangers share a confined space, as they jostle to an undefined destination. This is generally the case, unless of course you encounter the ‘new world’ tourists.
These are the bold and unrelenting visitors (or maybe natives), who block walkways, entrance/exit and side doors. Nowadays, they defiantly spread out, like a village clan. Leaving you absolutely no space and/or chance, of squeezing through. They lack cosmic radars and earthly sensors. So that even if you stand behind or in front of them, with that ‘I need to pass’ look. They stare you down with the ‘don’t you see that counsel is in session’ glance. Or you might get the ‘how can I help you’ glare.
Really? You are literally, blocking the only available passage way. Yet you wonder, why my head is thrust forward, like a ready rocket.
I stand exasperated, on the outskirt of a human fortification. Trying so hard to figure out, if I should climb arms and/or glide through shoulders. Or maybe simply plow my way through, to freedom and victory.
Sometimes I wonder, what are they thinking? (You know, the street idlers). When we stand so close and yet, are not part of the roaming ensemble. Probably, They think we are waiting for group hugs. These sad, angry and harried New York-ers. Yes, I sure might need a hug, but not now. Until then, I will be patiently waiting. Behind a sky-high spread, of a 20 feet city map. While people decide, in strange chirping. Where to go, how to go and/or if at all to go.
Anyway, I have to say that the festivities and positive mood, towards Christmas this year. Has been encouraging and soothing. It sought of feels like, a secret gag order, has been lifted. Now people are free, to be happy and make happy. Humans are free to give, receive and bask in the goodness that this season con-notates and sheds into the air. Joy has come to us and we acknowledge and welcome it.
The Grinch may not have been completely bound, but his ankles are in shackles. In fact, I still see evidences of his ugly prints, when I look at certain public accessible establishments.
Department Store window displays, used to be a cheerful reminder of this most wonderful and mirthful time of the year. The season's exuberance, giving and sharing, affects most, if not all. So why are the window displays, struggling to stay away from any symbol or vestige of the reason for the season.
Why are they committed, to telling every other story, but the most amazing, encouraging, beautiful and hopeful story ever told. A tale over two thousand years old, that embodies the reason we give gifts and distribute delight.
One well known department store, not far from "O Christmas Tree...." Even went as far as having a witch (complete and comfortable in her dungeon), in their recent holiday window display. A witch? Really?
Notice how they were not afraid, to offend the billions that would revel in this season. Maybe they invented Halloween and needed the witch, to daily cast spells on them, so that profit dips. Who knows the reason for such fallacy and insensitivity? Who knows what the passive aggressive snub, is all about. It won't change a thing though. "Joy to the world, the LORD is come...."
Other displays, have either skipping antelopes or shimmying pigs. What on this fledgling earth, is all that? If you are allergic to everything hark some, wholesome, angelic, jolly and merry, then I am allergic to you. No one ever died from good, if they did. It was a gross misappropriation.
So for all the twerking pigs and taunting demons on display, at least a busy elf could have come close or been a better choice. Any business, that is averse to this season. Its influence and celebration, should not expect to profit from it. Fair enough, wouldn't you say? Why should I shop for CHRISTMAS gifts or for self, if you want to distance yourself from the very festivities that permeate the air and increases consumer spending?
I am glad however, for the ones that appreciate light and joy. For example, our favorite cosmetic store. The one that bears a name similar, to a mythical goddess or rare jewel. They’ve been jamming those merry tunes, from decades back to minutes now. It has been merry in that joint, way before Thanksgiving arrived. And for that I am grateful, glad and getting a lot from there this holiday. In fact, I am off to buy tweezers, for my grandfather (maybe). Seriously blaming him, for these bushy eye brows of mine.
I am off to Rockefeller Center now and you know why….
Merry Christmas!
