From Marlow: During our 27th consecutive road trip to this year’s Army-Navy game two weeks ago, we oldsters recalled annual Christmas traditions that we and others had experienced. Some were touching. Others had pop culture connections from our, our children’s and grandchildren’s youth. Some were funny. Some were creepy. Here are my notes on those that bear sharing.

Singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus when they got up

Themed Secret Santa gift exchange for the adults

Watching Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation, Muppet Christmas Carol. Bad Santa, Holiday Inn, Christmas Story, Scrooge, The Grinch . . .

Eating and drinking enough for 19 people

Adults sitting by ourselves late on Christmas night talking about those we miss

Recently – lamenting failed Novembers and bitching about cable news programs

Extended family Christmas dinners

Volunteering to feed the hungry and clothe the homeless

An ode to Eddie Murphy — wishing Merry New Year to unsuspecting strangers on the street and in stores

No one mentioned exercising on Christmas day. I don’t know why.

Going to church services

No one mentioned spending the holidays with their wife in Paris.

Calling the cops after the annual canned cranberry jelly vs cookbook cranberry sauce debate and throw-down occur.

One new one was mentioned — handing out Chuck E. Cheese tokens to people on the streets while telling them they’re Bitcoins

Streaking through a friend’s condo association Christmas party

Elf on the Shelf – either it’s a troubling sign of the deep state surveillance system or good modern parenting. Either would be utterly American.

Voting on which holiday song is the sexiest – Baby It’s Cold Outside or Santa Baby

Creepy Santa dolls/figurines from the 60s

Nonstop Christmas music on the radio beginning the week after Halloween

Eating cream cheese wrapped in bologna. This tradition from one of my friend’s uncle is nauseating.

Alle-mew-yah!

Special tree ornaments from long ago

Singing carols

Driving through neighborhoods with holiday lighting dsiplays

Live nativities

Sitting our children on the lap of a bearded seasonal worker

Mistletoe at the holiday office parties of various Washington DC beltway intelligence agencies. Ish.

Merry Christmas, all y’all.

Copyright © 2017 From My Isle Seat
www.vicsocotra.com