Festive yule-tide greetings to you all (if it’s not too early I hope…) Well at least I’m doing it in December, not foisting Christmas materialism on you in September like certain retailers whom I will spare mentioning… However I will mention that today I heard on the radio today some sad news in the form of a some-what tacky if vaguely amusing jingle:
“Deck the halls with boughs of holly, trala lala la, lala la lah!
Now to fill your on-line trolley, tralalalala, lala la lah…!”
Apparently now, in order to be suitably seasonal, we have to spend money on-line to feel jolly; or worst still if we believe the jingle, spend money instead of feeling jolly for the sheer joy of it…! Well I realize this is old news about our materialistic view of Christmas but it’s still a shock to hear it put so crassly and baldly.. I may be being oversensitive (& I did actually laugh when I first heard it) but when I realized they’ d supplanted one of my favourite carol lines with an injunction to shop instead of be joyful…..well- in my mind it almost ranked up there with that apalling slogan “I shop, therefore I am” that even Selfridges realized was a bust & removed hastily!
I guess it grated because it contrasted so much with that lovely scene from the film Little Women with Winona Ryder & co. singing ” Deck the halls…etc. ” with so much gusto and joy- as I recall it anyhow- apparently just for the sheer joy of being together, and despite any tribulations & lack. It’s been a while since I saw it & I know it’s a bit saccharin for many, but it’s undeniably a story of how someone had sensed that their true purpose lay in being an author, and pursued that against the odds. And in so doing, they ultimately found their true joy and purpose… not to mention their soul-mate-if I remember correctly..! Hhmm.. I really should have tried to re-read the book later after the disastrous attempts when I was 9 and at school about 12. How is it that great books become such a forgettable snooze in English classes, even when you love English??!! Well, if anyone else is any wiser on Little Women’ true meaning, then let me know..maybe I only got the Hollywood meaning!
Anyhow apart from a rant,what I really meant to say is..(and I’m sure you enlightened folks don’t need reminding) is: Let’s all continue that noble tradition of being jolly for the sheer joy of it at any opportunity both this season and any other …..tralalala-lala ta daaaahhh!!
Maximally JOLLILY
Joyfullyfabulous
