EDITOR:

Are you ready? Who heads the list of honorees this Christmas? Santa or Jesus? Where do we celebrate? Main street or darkened stable? Macy’s, Amazon or Bethlehem? A healthy compromise?

Many of us forget that the original Santa was the real St. Nicholas, a Turkish priest from the 3rd century, known for his kindness, defense of the weak and help for the poor, often arranging practical help for the needy. Many legends exist about him, but his gift was simply “giving”, for needs, often anonymously.

Seems like Santa has transformed–too, too often to…give me what I want. I recall as a youngster the specialness of Christmas including our wish lists, but we were always satisfied with what showed up and there were no demands for such and such or some hot, big-ticket item. Our lists often centered around the Sear’s, Penney’s, Spiegel’s or Ward’s wish books. No cars with bows on top. Too often today I hear the motto: “Santa, bring me one of everything.”

It was all simple—gifts, dinner, a real tree (great smell), adult party after church of Christmas Eve (we could peek in), stocking stuffers, a visit with grandparents, and trip to Uncle Kenny’s. Birthday cake, chocolate covered cherries (still under $2), and pork pie (torte). Definitely no eggnog or nasty fruitcake.

This current PC stuff did not exist: Christmas carols censored for religious content; nativity scenes forbidden; no religious Christmas school plays; the University of Minnesota banning the colors red and green; one Nebraska school attempting to outlaw Santa. For this year,The Governor of Wisconsin decided that the state Christmas tree should be a Holiday tree. (Spare me.) Who dreams up such foolishness?

Methinks that George Bailey eventually got it right!

Last year I wrote encouraging readers to consider a new Christmas tradition — taking 15 totally silent Christmas Eve minutes after the kids are down and having the adults and teens sit before a lighted tree (no phones) to contemplate, reminisce, dream, imagine, recall, etc. CHRISTMAS. Afterward, if any choose, share. I especially encourage those of us from the 1930’s-70’s to share. I expect great things to transpire. Let me know if this works.

And, remember — especially you dads, the kids do not need expensive gifts, they need you.

I love the Maranatha Singers version of “Christmas is a Time for Love” — find it. And, Bing Crosby’s “Secret of Christmas” says it all… That little gift you gave on Christmas Day will not bring back the friend you’ve turned away. So, may I suggest — the secret of Christmas is not the things you do at Christmastime, but the Christmas things you do all year through.”

Loneliness and depression often appear in December–so invite and welcome those alone. And, do have the merriest, happiest and cheeriest!

Mike Olson

Ford River/Escanaba