Fiesta!

Sometimes I’m hesitant to wish people a Merry Christmas in fear of offending those who don’t celebrate Christmas. It seems silly wishing everyone a Happy this, or a Blessed that when I have no idea what their religious affiliations are. And I absolutely refuse to reduce my good intentions, to what is basically a nod, by submitting myself, and subjecting you, to the offensive, impersonal, and politically-correct Season’s Greetings. Hell no. Naturally, I have a solution.

Jesus of Nazareth was born on, well, I don’t know his birth date; no one does. Searching the internet gave me the following dates: January 7, March 28, September 11, November 18, late summer/early fall, with the overwhelming majority consenting to “sometime in the fall.” No one claims his birth date as December 25^th, including the Catholic Church. They just agree to celebrate Christ’s mass on the 25^th. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is observed for eight days beginning on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev, which may be anytime from late November to late December.

The Islamic calendar is very different than ours, and someone like me with little knowledge of Islam won’t know what’s what. This year, the only major Islamic celebration in December (5^th) is the Day of Ashura, which marks the “climax of the Remembrance of Muharram,” grandson of the prophet Mohammad. The Hindu’s celebrate the Winter Solstice for five days beginning on December 21^st, as do our Wiccan friends, but they only celebrate the one day. Japan observes the enlightenment of Buddha on December 8- Bodhi Day, (and I observe how lucky I am on December 8, our anniversary). Spiritism, a fascinating offshoot of Catholicism about souls don’t really celebrate any day exclusive to them. (Ever hear people claim to be an “old soul?” Well, that’s them.) Kwanzaa begins on the 26^th, and last, but not least (well actually, it is least), is Boxing Day, December 26^th. One of my friends from across the pond needs to explain that one to me.

The only religious happening I could find scheduled for the 25^th (this year) was the birth date of the Iranian mystery God Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. He’s a judge, ever awake, ever present, keeper of secrets and the protector of truth. Merry Mithra everyone.

Okay, it’s easy to get confused with all these differences and inconsistencies, probably because we think too much. And I'm the type of guy that not only respects our differences, I embrace them. If I preach anything, it's tolerance.

This brings us to the real reason for the season: Marketing. Santa Claus, Saint Nick, my jolly round man with the long white beard. He rides a sleigh propelled by thirteen flying reindeer, or the subway. No, that’s not it. Actually, I find the holidays painful when I’ve had a bad year. It only serves as a reminder of how things could, or should be. Getting through this final week is like easing past hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place when you’re alone and broke.

Honestly, I try to focus on the positive, the silver lining. I love the season itself. I love the lights, the excitement, and most importantly, the camaraderie among perfect strangers. And in that spirit, that is, the spirit of good will and the most heartfelt wish for peace and joy in your lives, I’d like to wish you, along with your possible religious celebrations, a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a Happy Festivus (for the rest of us.)