Every human emotion seems to

December 17, 2002

Every human emotion seems to be on a hair trigger around this time. The Christmas burden is overwhelming and if you’re already taxed to your limit then all the festive niceties can really grind against you. That said. A lot of temporary good is achieved. People treated each other differently after those planes hit the twin towers. That should have been a forever thing just as the Christmas (holiday season) warmth shouldn’t just last a couple of weeks. The 911 sensitivity wasn’t a forever thing and by January 3rd the holiday warmth will be replaced by blood doping, trip wires and oil slick cannons employed in the rat race. One must get the advantage required to cool down the molten credit card. This “back to business” portion lasts the rest of the year with a two day break for thanksgiving. Each year we look for a new way to keep the spirit up and the pressure down. A viagara for the soul. We are successful in varying degrees. The more you do things your own way at Christmastime the better your chances of extending the mirth. You can give more if it isn’t all compressed into “standard giving units”. These “S.G.U.’s” are sometimes called “presents”. Presents are a form of gift. They are quantifiable and can be had for barter, credit or cash. The giving of large presents is meant to help quantify the measure of one’s devotion. This is, of course, absurd. Before I get into the subtext of “the Grinch” I will conclude that this should be the message. I haven’t sent cards. I haven’t really got the “S.G.U’s” in gear yet. I do however have the spirit today and I’m going to try to keep it up. When I get patches of it during the year I will do my best to wear a Santa hat. On those days people will know to come and get their love. Come and get your love anyway even if the hat isn't on. I want to wish everyone a great Boxing Day. As some of you know this is my favourite holiday of the year. I still have not attended a “sale” as that works against the entire premise of the day. Kick back, box up all the good stuff you don’t need and give it to someone who would like it. watch happy kids play with their S.G.U’s. Lie around with the people you usually lie around with. Christmas is over and the soft afterglow is engulfing everything. The pressure is off and we can at least pretend the rats are asleep .