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What I would like to do for Christmas

I've railed about Christmas before (here and here) and what I think is wrong with the way it is celebrated in this part of the world... so let me try and explain what I would really like to do for Christmas this time around. Its Boxing Day already in DC and I don't have to go to work because of the generosity of our company (they said... no work this (and only this) December 26 for US employees... and that is awesome).

If I could, some day, I would like to be in Bethlehem on Christmas. I would like to see what the modern day people of Bethlehem celebrate the birth of the son of god, a prophet, someone perhaps hundreds of millions believe in to be their lord and saviour, I would like to see how they celebrate that most blessed of events in the city where he is purported to have been born. I hope that they do not have to worry about sweaters for great-aunt Susan or diamonds for your wife because every kiss begins with the letter 'k' or why they should buy a car with a novelty bow attached to it. As an aside, has anyone ever bought a car or considered buying a car because of a car advertisement?

I also hope someday to go to Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican to see how Catholic folks celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I also wonder what it must be like for the other Christmas, you know, the one that falls on January 7. Same guy, same parents, same place, same manger... but the Orthodox Christians have a different date for the same birthday.

I may not make any friends by saying this... but I would much rather prefer it if Christmas was about celebrating the birthday of someone important and leave it at that. No more presents, no more Santa, no more carols and so forth. Also, what's the deal with Santa and the birth of Jesus Christ anyway?

Anyway, that's my spiel for this Boxing Day. I hope everyone has a happy holiday, spends time on things that are important and hopefully, will have an eventful, successful and happy new year. Personally, I hope 2009 will be a good one for me. One where I will get what I want.
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