Christmas

Well once again Christmas has managed to pass in the twinkling of an eye. The weeks prior to this joyous holiday were spent, in my house at least, in either preparation for visiting relatives (an always anxiety-provoking activity for my mother and in turn the rest of the household) or in massive amounts of traffic. It seems that once again not only has Christmas left in a hurry but the true reason for the season failed to reach the hordes of angry shoppers pushing each other out of the way to snatch that last cashmere sweater.

No, I'm not referring to the geographically incorrect Coca-Cola commercials featuring animals from different poles sharing an ice-cold Coke. I'm not referencing the long neglected greeting card industry. Where in all this hustle and bustle was that ultimate symbol of love and compassion? Joy and peace seem nowhere to be found in mall parking lots and toy stores. Our society jaded by advertising cannot even begin to perceive that truly priceless gift of God made man in a lowly manger.

Now I'm just as guilty as the next person of forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. Honestly, my new iPod touch hasn't left arm's reach since I unwrapped its plastic caccoon, but nothing compares to that sacrifice made long ago. Nothing can come close to the destiny of that child born in the presence of animals. Maybe Christmas truly is about sacrifice: the sacrifice assigned to a mere child, the sacrifice of a family to give their children everything possible, the sacrifice of time, of things, and of ourselves. Modeling that infant we too can experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Statement of the Year

Once again we return to the hallowed halls of my school where the indoctrination of liberalism can be heard lilting gently from the classrooms inhabited by members of the social studies department. I'm sure that I have made my opinion of said department quite clear previously so it should come as no surprise to my faithful flock that the following reaction took place.

In an effort to bribe my fellow students to stay in their assigned seats, my government teacher promised that the class would watch a movie. (Of course, this bribe was well received by the class of 30!) So after a week of good behavior on our part, we were rewarded the following Monday with the showing of a film which had been advertised as a comedy: Man of the Year.

(Pause for effect.)

Now, I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer," but since when is a jab at democracy considered good humor? Not only does this production take an "equal" stab at both parties, but it also heralds traditionally liberal platforms through the offensive use of cracks about a cabinet made entirely of lesbians ("They may not get much done, but it sure is interesting to imagine what they're doing behind closed doors!") and various other "hot" topics of our day.

Overall, I can't say that I've been too impressed by this sad attempt by a has-been comedian to make a political statement. I mean, am I the only one who sees the irony in Robin Williams playing a political comedian who refuses to run television ads during his campaign because "candidates are not products?" Isn't he making money off this statement?

Long story short, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone who I did not wish dead. And if Santa decides to throw this in your stocking in place of coal, I'd suggest hiding when the fat man comes to call because you must've been pretty naughty to deserve that one.

Merry Christmas!