"Christmas time's a happy time, fun for you and me! Smiling faces, la la la, presents under the tree!"
What in the jolly season is the name of this song?
Fragments of its melody reside in my memory; I sang it long ago, dressed in uniform, at an old folks' home.
Christmas time in those days involved geriatric-visiting, decoration-making, and tea-towel nativity productions.
What's changed?
Well, I've advanced from primary to tertiary education and I've given up the carols. I still create my own decorations, however, and I always end up at a church play (or two) despite long ago retiring from the role of lead cow.
Needless to say, Christmas time remains a happy time.
Nevertheless, every year a Grinch will write some article in some paper which reflects poorly on the festive holiday.
Ghastly suicide statistics are quoted, shopping dramas are subjected to hyperbole, commercialisation is chastised and religion is blamed.
Christmas time provides ample fuel for happiness, yet many people aren't content unless the silly season is stressful and sad. They roam the malls with television ads resounding in their minds; searching for the perfect gift for every person they've ever met.
Everybody seems to assume that nobody enjoys shopping during Christmas time. As soon as the calendar flips on to December, shopping ceases to be retail therapy and instead becomes a crazy mission to get through a list of stuff to buy.
Sympathetic checkout girls comment on the hassles of Christmas shopping, and I'll disclose that I'm not a member of that stampede - I'm just here to take advantage of price reductions. But yes, I'd like it gift-wrapped, thanks (can't refuse a pretty ribbon).
There's so much to enjoy for nothing during the lead-up to Christmas; it's baffling that so many people begrudge this inevitable annual celebration.
Lampposts sparkle with tinsel and houses glow with fairy lights; there are parades in the streets and performances in local parks; Father Christmas gives away sweets and cheerful small talk; window shopping is never better (especially in Christchurch at Ballantynes).
No doubt the recession, the earthquake, and the weather will be held responsible for countless less-than-perfect Christmas times. It's easy to be cynical and grumpy about Christmas and all the drama that it may involve, but positivity is always more productive.
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"
If the recently reopened Ballantynes can "Embrace a season that promises Love, Hope and New Beginnings," I'm sure that the least you can do is provide a smiling face.
Even if you do make a mess of Christmas, don't forget that the New Year and all its potential resolutions is just around the corner. Coincidence?
Unlikely.
Go on then, treat yourself.
Merry Christmas.
- Katie Kenny studies English at the University of Otago.
