Actually there are several holidays I'm not very fond of. I might like the sentiment attached to them but when you break them down, a few, like Valentine's Day are quite barbaric! Oh, its all gussied up and tied in pretty ribbons 'in the name of LOVE' and all that stuff, and sure 'Valentine's Day' SOUNDS innocent enough; I mean, what could be bad about a day filled with cards, candy hearts and flowers? Well, If you dont have a special someone or even sometimes if you do, it might not be such a good day. Its a day that strikes fear, dread and extreme anxiety into the hearts of many normally calm, contented men. I bet more people have their feelings crushed on this day than all others put together! This day is a breeding ground for anger and disappointment and these angry disappointed people most likely at some point during the day, will get behind the wheel of a car! Is anyone else frightened by this? Needless to say, we stay close to home on Valentine's Day.
That being said, I'm a firm believer in not having grandiose expectations of other people, regardless of the date. Its self preservation at its most basic level. Besides, if I want flowers, I will grow them and if I want candy, well, I am no stranger to buying my own and I certainly don't need a greeting card to tell me I am loved. In fact, usually I buy Gary a Valentine and give it to him at which point he scratches thru my name, writes his and gives it back to me. This year I didn't even give him/me a card. Its been 10 years and I'm cutting back;-) It was a fine day regardless. My world didn't fall apart or anything! Dont get me wrong, I LOVE the unexpected Valentine finding its way into the mail box. I just never expect one! It makes it that much sweeter. Besides, I have really been trying to concentrate on creating memories instead.
For instance, we are going zipline-ing this spring! And Gary has a flying lesson to look forward to! Naturally, I increased our life insurance. One must be prepared if one is going to take risks and at our age its important to go ahead and take those risks! What are we waiting for? I plan on creating lasting memories with my family while we can still sit upright and laugh about them. Isn't that the ultimate goal! Whether its a dare devil activity or going to lunch and a movie, I had much rather spend the time with someone dear to me than get a gift.
Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday but then I started thinking about the slaughter of all the Indians not to mention those poor turkeys and it kind of took the wind out of my Thanksgiving Day sails. After all, I bet if you asked the Indians, they had very little to be thankful for, especially after those darn Pilgrims showed up. We ought to be thankful every day, not just the 4th Thursday in November. But fall is my favorite season and I love any occasion to overeat with friends and family, so there you are.
Christmas and Easter really have me baffled as well. I know many atheists and wonder why, if they do not believe in Christ, do they receive and exchange presents in the spirit of Christmas? That seems odd to me, kind of like giving a vegetarian a T-bone steak and watching him eat AND enjoy it. But all the atheists I know practise this gift giving and receiving ritual. Whats up with that?
And while I'm at it, what is with all the Easter hoopla? Shouldn't Easter be a contemplative occasion celebrated by Christians and not fall victim to mass commercialization crammed down our throats by the greeting card and Peep industry? (I'll leave Cadbury out of this as they as they are near and dear to me). We need to take a look at our motives folks! Whether we realize it or not I think we lull our little ones into thinking Easter is a fun, bunny themed holiday. A holiday that becomes no fun whatsoever on down the road. I mean no disrespect, but that's what it was for me. One year we are eating chocolate bunnies, painting and hunting eggs waiting for Harvey and the next year we were sitting in "big church" having to be quiet while listening to the preacher drone on and on to his captive audience; a sea of bobbing heads with an occasional snort. Easter fun forgotten.
As for the other holidays, I'm all for celebrating our country and our heroes, Confederate and otherwise. There are no expectations on these holidays other than perhaps remembrance. Thats not too much to ask and certainly no reason to be disappointed, anxious or even overeat except possibly at a 4th of July cookout. We don't like to drive on that holiday either.
Valentine's Day aka Great Expectations Day
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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