What On Earth?-Column #7-December 2002
Well, here we are in December, the month where we get to celebrate the holidays, especially my favorite, and I'm sure many people's favorite, CHRISTMAS! Also, celebrated are the holidays of Hannukah and Kwanzaa. I will focus on those FOR A LITTLE BIT, then I will offer some more CHRISTMAS GOODIES, and a look at some of the New Year's Eve traditions celebrated on December 31, the last day of the year.
I'll start with Hannukkah, an 8-day Jewish holiday. This, as I stated, is celebrated by the Jewish people. People DO give gifts during this holiday, just like Christmas, but the TWO main things about this holiday are a MENORAH and a DREIDEL. The DREIDEL is a Jewish top used in a game played by many Jewish children. There are 4 symbols on the top used to indicate each of 4 kingdoms that would dominate the Jews: Babylon, Greece, Persia, and Rome. The MENORAH is a candelabrum with 8 holders for 8 candles signifying each day. Those are lit in order from left to right. There is one ADDITIONAL BIG candle in the center, and that one is lit LAST. That candle is raised an inch over the 8 major candles.
I'll conclude this non-Christmas holiday list with Kwanzaa, a 7-day, week-long African holiday. Again, looking at what I said, this is celebrated by Africans, but ALSO by African-Americans, too. This holiday ALSO involves gift-giving, just like Christmas, but this holiday is celebrated the day AFTER Christmas all the way to New Year's Day. There is also a candle-holder, like that of the menorah, but this one is called a Kinara, and holds 7 candles (3 red, 3 green, and 1 black, for the center). As always, the center candle is lit LAST. These candles represent the spiritualities of Kwanzaa. They also represent the seven guiding principles for Kwanzaa, and what it means to the African and African-American people.
Now that THAT's out of the way, I'll do some more Christmas goodies for you! As I stated in my last column, this is the time of year for us. This is the year where we learn about the birth of Jesus Christ and what it has meant to us. But for 90% of us, we don't think about that. We think about PARTIES! Yes, parties. And as I said before, you want to make sure that if nobody drives home drunk. Cops are hoping that they don't see any casualties this year, and we hope for the same, too. Now, for the parties themselves. Prepare plenty of food, and have plenty of invitations planned. Make sure that WHOEVER you invite responds to those invitations. Who would like to run a party with a BUNCH OF NO-SHOWS. Also, don't invite any extra guests. That's not a good idea. Why? Well, as MANY would say, NO ONE WANTS A SURPRISE SPOILED THAT EARLY, AND NO ONE WANTS UNINVITED GUESTS LIKE GERMS AND CRIMINALS AT THE PARTY. Also, use the proper utensils when eating, and of course, as we SHOULD know by now, DOUBLE-DIPPING IS A BIG NO-NO AT PARTIES. And as always, ALWAYS HAVE PLENTY OF NAPKINS. Those two tips will help to eliminate germs at parties, I HOPE. I know it has worked at many of MY parties, and I hope it has worked at any of YOUR parties in the past, and any parties YOU may be planning in the future. Also, provide GOOD music for the guests, and include some of your favorite holiday specials into the mix.
Of course, what would the holiday season be without the so-called CAROLING? Whether at home, or on the road, this is what the holiday season is all about. There are TWO types of carols: Traditional and Angelic. We get a blend of both, but 90% of the carols we know FIRST are traditional carols. Let me explain each one for you.
Angelic carols talk about the birth of Jesus Christ. These carols would include such favorites as Silent Night, Joy To The World, The First Noel, O Come All Ye Faithful, FUM, FUM, FUM (A Spanish Carol, and one of my favorites, although not my MOST FAVORITE), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Angels We Have Heard On High, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, and my most favorite of all, AWAY IN A MANGER! In addition, if any of you are familiar with the 1996 movie "The Preacher's Wife," then you will be familiar with a Christmas song sung by Whitney Houston, that talks about Jesus Christ in particular, but NOT his birth. It's called "Who Would Imagine A King." Other singers, like Darlene Mills, a Christian singer, have also sung this hit, which you can ALSO hear on the Christmas CD, "A Platinum Christmas," which is available in many stores, as well as on the Web. Buy it, and trust me, YOU'LL LOVE IT, AS MUCH AS THE SONG!
Traditional carols talk about, well, Christmas traditions. There are so many favorites to choose from, from Jingle Bells to Silver Bells, from Frosty The Snowman to Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, from Feliz Navidad to We Wish You A Merry Christmas, to two BRAND NEW FAVORITES that I've included this year that are NOT considered carols, but are appropriate for the holidays: Thank God For Kids by The Oak Ridge Boys, a country music group, and Put A Little Love In Your Heart by two of the brightest artists out there: Jackie DeShannon and Annie Lennox, who are ALSO country singers.
I would ALSO like to turn my attention to Christmas tree lightings. While a tradition around the world, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is AMERICA'S FAVORITE. New York is where the action is this holiday season. From the tree lighting to the Radio City Rockettes, it sure is destined to be a HIT. But that isn't the ONLY famous tree lighting people are familiar, no, sir. In Washington, DC; there's the National Christmas Tree, which is lit on the White House Lawn, and that honor is presented to the President and First Lady. These two lightings are two main reasons why lightings make the holiday season BRIGHT. When the LIGHTS are BRIGHT, so are the holidays. In addition to the Rockefeller Center tree, there is ALSO a tree at Ground Zero, the site of the WTC rubble. This is built at the site of the rubble between the two beams of light projected to look like those of the late Twin Towers.
Speaking of which, this leads me to my next thing: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DECORATIONS. What would the holiday season be without BIG, BIG, BIG displays without bunches upon bunches of lights in MANY DIFFERENT COLORS. The same thing applies to decorations. 90% of the decorations that many people put up are those relating to many of the things we think about: Santa, Reindeer, the Sleigh, and Snowmen/Snowwomen. So, this means 10% of those consist of NATIVITY SCENES. For those who don't know what this is, I'll explain to you. The main characters in the story of Jesus Christ's birth, Joseph and Mary, and of course, the baby Jesus himself. It was 300 years ago that a Roman church decided to dedicate December 25 to Jesus's birthday. So, when you go out to see the decorations, remember what I tell you: This is what many people vision when they think about the holiday season.
Unfortunately, there's ALSO and ALWAYS tragedy when it comes to lighting: FIRES. As far as I know, many fires are caused by either A. Faulty Wiring or B. Leaving The Lights On FOR TOO LONG or C. ALL OF THE ABOVE. It's OBVIOUS that the best way is to take the opposite of reason B, that is, if you're going to be OUT OF THE HOUSE for a LONG TIME, UNPLUG THE LIGHTS! Also, UNPLUG THE LIGHTS BEFORE YOU GO TO BED. This is the MOST common reason for Christmas light fires. Now, on the issue of faulty wiring. Make sure the wiring is right, because if it isn't, it will cause a SHORT CIRCUIT, and you know what a short circuit ALWAYS causes: A FIRE! Also, you must make sure you've got the right bulbs, and make sure they're not TOO bright. If they've got TOO much watts, or they're too bright, this will ALSO cause a fire. I haven't seen this happen, but I'm sure it can happen.
In addition, candles can ALSO bring bright lighting to the holidays, but it, too, has its ups and downs. If you're planning to use any candles on your tree, put them on the OUTSIDE, so that the flame will NOT touch any part of the tree. Remember, evergreen is NOT fire-resistant. So, do NOT put them near trees or wreaths, or ANYTHING that is EVERGREEN. If you want to use candles as decorations, that's fine. I've seen people use them, and that's fine with me. Just remember the tips I've given you and your house will look neat and pretty for the holidays and any parties you'll be giving.
Now, also, if you're buying a REAL tree, rather than a FAKE one, like the one I've got, WATER IT! This will prevent fires as much as anything else will. Whether it be ARTIFICIAL, EVERGREEN, LEAFLESS, etc., THE MORE WATER IT HAS, THE MORE IT WILL GROW, AND THE LESS IT WILL LIKELY CATCH FIRE. Keep it away from fireplaces, because, like fires from faulty wiring in lights, fireplace fires could do damage. Combine them BOTH, and it could be an INFERNO, so, TAKE THESE HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR GRANTED, AND YOU WILL HAVE THE HAPPIEST OF ALL HOLIDAY SEASONS!!
In addition to THAT, there are ALSO DANGEROUS GIFTS. That's why we have recalls during the holiday shopping season. National and local news plug recall notices, so that when you're doing your shopping, once you know something's dangerous, IF YOU ALREADY HAVE IT, then you can return it to the store where you purchased it, and GET A REPLACEMENT OR A REFUND! Examples include the following: Faulty wiring on lights that could catch fire, defective seats on rideable toy cars, and so on. Always, always, ALWAYS, watch for anything defective or faulty in ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING YOU BUY, AND TAKE THE RECALL NOTICES FOR REAL!
Of course, there's GIFT-GIVING and HOMECOMING. My sister, Karen, comes home at this time of year to celebrate the holidays with my family and relatives. We give gifts each year. I don't care if they're tangible or intangible, I give gifts, TOO. Jesus gave US the gift of life. We should do the same to our friends and relatives, too. And do you know what gifts were given to Jesus by 3 wise kings? Well, they gave him incense, gold, and myrrh.
And, of course, what would the holiday season be without the HECTIC SHOPPING? The day after Thanksgiving is known as "BLACK FRIDAY," where retailers hope holiday sales will end up in the black at the end of the season. That was NOT the case LAST season, because of the attacks of 9-11. Sales were EXTREMELY FLAT. This year, we expect to see a turn-around in sales. Also, this is the day where the malls and stores are CROWDED and JAM-PACKED with shoppers in the mood. And, as I've stated several times, I started my holiday shopping over the summer. This probably helped me escape the crowds that occur that Friday after Thanksgiving.
But that's NOT THE ONLY HECTIC HOLIDAY TRADITION AROUND, RIGHT? NO! We also have to deal with the NEXT-TO-LAST Monday before Christmas. THAT'S THE BUSIEST MAILING DAY OF THE YEAR! With Christmas cards to write, and Christmas gifts to wrap, it's NOT easy! I've written a few Christmas cards on occasion, but most of the time, I do the signing. And, I don't wrap the gifts. TOO COMPLICATED!
Another thing that has the holiday mood swinging, is whether or not people believe that Santa Claus and his reindeer, and the sleigh REALLY EXIST. I'm sure that many of you have seen the holiday classic movie "Miracle On 34th Street," where we hear the classic quote "Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus." I always thought that myself. Besides, when I was little, Karen and I would look in our stockings to see if Santa left anything in them, and sometimes we would have letters in there. Karen says that why we have letters is because when WE write to Santa, HE writes back on Christmas Day.
I'm sure that the holiday season would not be complete without a good dose of Clement C. Moore's classic poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas," which would ultimately be transformed into the title we know today as THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I'm sure many of you know how the poem goes. But there have been plenty of variations on it. So, I'll do a few here. There's a special Disney version of the poem narrated by Jiminy Cricket, and is found on many Disney Christmas CD's and Cassettes. He introduces us to the poem with, "Hello. I'm Jiminy Cricket. And you know, we crickets are SO small, we can get right into people's houses. We slip under doors, and get warm by their fireplaces. One time I was sitting on a hearthstone in...," and then narrates the poem in its entirety. In this version, "And Mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap." is replaced with "I kicked off my shoes, and took off my cap, and settled my brains for a long winter's nap." Then, another replacement comes in: "I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter is replaced with "I hopped from the hearth to see what was the matter."
Now, here are MY variations on the poem:
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through John's mind,
Some great gift ideas, he really would find.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that great holiday specials soon would be there.
"Hollywood Squares" would be on as he's there,
So, he'd better watch it, or else he'll BE SQUARE.
But I heard him exclaim as he vanished out of sight,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!"
-December 24, 1999
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through John's house,
A party was planned for all, except for the mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that great food soon would be there.
The goodies were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of partying danced in their heads.
But I heard him exclaim as he dozed out of sight,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!"
-December 24, 2000
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through John's house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that great gifts soon would be there.
The people were dashing their way to the store,
For last minute gifts and wraps and more.
"On Gifts! On Presents! On Ornaments and Lights!
I want everything to look so bright!
To the top of the stores, to the top of the malls!
Now, shop away! Shop away! Shop away all!"
But I heard John exclaim as he vanished out of sight,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!"
-December 24, 2001
Now, unfortunately, if anyone has noticed it, this holiday season will be the SHORTEST of all holiday seasons. Since Thanksgiving was on November 28, there won't be much holiday cheer to spread around. But anyway, there's plenty of cheer to spread around, and I'm spreading it.
Also, another unfortunate thing is that some children don't get any toys or other gifts during the holiday season. So, that's why we have TOY DRIVES. There are national ones such as "TOYS FOR TOTS" and "Toys R Us"'s National Toy Drive, sponsored by the company itself and featured on ABC's "Good Morning America." And there are local ones, such as "Santa's Helpers," sponsored by WFAA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth. So, either way, if YOU want to make a child's Christmas even MERRIER, I SUGGEST YOU TO DONATE TOYS AND OTHER GIFTS, BECAUSE I WANT EVERY CHILD'S CHRISTMAS TO BE AS MERRY AS YOUR CHRISTMAS! In addition to THAT, the Salvation Army and its annual Angel Tree make its way to the USA each season. Other than just donating your loose change, you can ADOPT AN ANGEL. This is another way to help many children get Christmas presents under their trees, and in their stockings. Remember, the MORE YOU DONATE, the merrier THEIR CHRISTMAS!
Now, I'd like to focus away on New Year's Eve, December 31, the last day of the December, and the year, too. We've got PARTIES GALORE! There are many ways to celebrate the New Year, but, by far, THIS IS THE BIGGEST: DICK CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE, live from TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK, HOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS TRADITION BEING USED TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR: THE FAMOUS BALL DROP! This famous tradition dates back to the early 1900's, and has had its ups and downs, too. One time, it was cancelled during the wars, once for each one, and then again, for inclement weather, in terms of TOO MUCH SNOW! The first ball had halogen light bulbs on it that did NOT flash. The second ball had flashing bulbs. The third and current ball is the Waterford Crystal Ball, and contains spinning triangles on the OUTSIDE, and flashing bulbs on the inside. Each of these balls contains a motor for the ball's descent atop a flagpole at ONE Times Square, where the big jumbotron and the New Year's numerals are at. There's a button shaped like the ball that's being pushed to power the motor for the ball's descent. Now, on New Year's Eve, the technicians have to get up EARLY IN THE MORNING to get the ball to the TOP of the flagpole. Now, the ball drops at 11:59:50 PM, because that's when we count down: "10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Then the ball's lights turn off, and the New Year's NUMERALS LIGHT UP. The famous New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne," which is an Old English song, translated, it means "Old Long Ago." There ARE some parodies of this tradition. I'll name them from top to bottom:
Variation #1: 1994, Campbell's Soup-When the ball reaches the bottom, the ball's lights stay on, and the sign "CAMPBELL'S SOUP COMPANY 1994" lights up, and Auld Lang Syne plays. Played on New Year's Eve 1993.
Variation #2: 1997, 7UP-A 2-dimensional ball is dropping, and the countdown of the crowd. But, all of a sudden, the ball AND the countdown go the opposite direction: UP! The crowd repeatedly sings: "It's 7UP. It's an UP Thing." Then when it reaches the sign, a female announcer says "Happy 1997UP!" And then, the 1997UP sign lights up, as the ball turns RED, the color of the circle in the 7UP logo, which is part of the sign. Played on New Year's Eve 1996.
Variation #3: 1998, Circuit City-As always, there's a ball descending, at the countdown of the crowd. As soon as "1, HAPPY NEW YEAR!" is said, the ball morphs into a Circuit City store, and promptly plugs into place, and settles into the ground, and Auld Lang Syne plays. Played on New Year's Eve 1997.
So, there you have it. MY holiday season will be the brightest one yet, and I HOPE YOURS IS TOO! Until next year, 2003, this is John Lee saying, "I WISH YOU A VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A VERY, VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! I WISH YOU THE VERY, VERY BEST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!" Now, go HOME!