I’m not a religious person myself, and so the Christmas season for me is mostly about reflection, a quiet break from the rest of life, a chance for some generosity and peace, and to spend time with friends, family, and loved ones. “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry’s ironic classic has always been a favorite, because it’s a story about the bond of the characters and how the spirit of the season moves them. There’s no flying reindeer, jolly fat men, living snowmen, or any of that stuff that most people have now convinced themselves are essential parts of the holiday. It’s a story about human feelings.
Molly Lewis, internet singer/ukulele phenom, recently blogged about her own complaints with Christmas music, and I find myself agreeing with her because, well, it’s generally overly saccharine or overly bombastic, and doesn’t really connect on an emotional level. Most people have stories related to the music, things they were doing or people they were with when they heard it, what role it plays in their traditions, etc., but the stories are always external – the music itself tends not to connect.
For those who may find themselves in the same predicament and wishing for some Christmas music that resonates on a more emotional level, I’d like to recommend Over the Rhine’s album, The Darkest Night of the Year. It’s an introspective, subdued work that transforms Christmas music from being a labor you endure while shopping into something which beautifully sets the mood for these cold dark nights. These stories are also about human feelings, so check it out if that’s what you think you’ve been missing.
There will still be new comics all next week, and I’m sure you can’t wait to wake up on Christmas morning, run downstairs, and read The Dugs on your way to the tree! I’ll even toss the title your way now so you know it’ll be worth the stop: “Every Christmas Story Is About Baseball.” But just in case you forget because you’re hungover on egg nog, I’ll say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all now!
