Homo sapiens are such a strange bunch. The human animal has confounded even the most brilliant of thinkers since Aristotle wore sandals and Confucius got tuckered out and plopped himself down under a tree. Now I’m no sociologist and I certainly don’t play one on the radio. But there’s something of interest that I’d like to share with you. And it all becomes ice crystal clear during this festive time known for its blandness as “the holiday season.” 

Question---what is this so called “holiday season” anyway? When does it officially start or end for that matter? With sparkly decorations and storewide sales popping up in early October, I’ve kind of lost track of things. And what are these holidays again? Since one feels threatened even mentioning, let alone celebrating, Christmas (what used to be the most popular one before the secular scaredy-cats got a hold of things) and other holidays have morphed into this early winter generic blob, the whole thing is now vague, pasty and uninspiring. 

And why all of the blather over symbols? We witness grown, fairly educated men and women wasting time, money and energy debating such critical issues as to whether we’re allowed to call that green thing with the tinsel and a star on top a Christmas tree or not. Then there are the geniuses who want the government to defrock Santa Claus because a.) He’s too judgmental of children, determining whether they’ve been “naughty or nice” and that can seriously damage self esteem—who the heck is he to define my child! b.) Kringle is a bloated caricature promoting capitalism at its worst, bringing a selfish message of materialism and greed and c.) He’s just plain bloated, and that’s a terribly unhealthy example to set.  The food police are onto this weight challenged fellow. C’mon you secular academics, there’s no such thing as a “holiday tree,” old Santa has lived for hundreds of years with no hint of high triglycerides and rewarding someone for good behavior is called positive reinforcement. The last time I checked it’s how the human race has somehow survived this long.

Squabbles over Christmas lights, Hanukah menorahs, whether school kids should see a play as non-threatening as “A Miracle on 34th Street, wishing others anything but the most insipid of all greetings, “Happy Holidays,” well, it is enough to make one gag on his eggnog and potato latkes. This from an observant Jew who is most proud of my religious culture and beliefs. At the same time I appreciate the opportunity to live in a free society where it’s acceptable, or it least used to be, to observe or take part in many elements of a great big community without feeling offended.

Which leads us to my sociological conclusion of the week.

We visited an assisted living center where my wife’s parents are looking to relocate. It is a well run facility with comfortable apartments, a professional staff offering health services, fine dining, counseling and care as well as a wide variety of activities for the seniors who choose to live in such a dignified environment. What struck a nerve was that most of the senior citizens living here during this festive time have decided to share heartily in each other’s celebration and guess what? It’s no big deal. In fact, it’s healthy. The Jewish residents happily attend Christmas parties and even daily masses. The non-Jews are enthusiastically joining the Hanukah celebrations and many regularly attend Friday evening Sabbath services. No one is heard complaining about the Christmas tree in the lobby or the menorah beside it. These are people who have lived and experienced a good deal, still retaining their history and identity but feeling totally comfortable with others of different faiths. The supervisor at the center tells us that many are learning for the first time in their lives about how others practice and celebrate their faith. Fear or resentment, if it was present at once, has melted away. Like small children, the older among us often live for the moment. Who has the time to argue over expression, songs or symbols when there is interaction, learning, playing, growing and companionship to be had?

I’m not suggesting we should throw our traditions in a big old melting pot and stir up one all-purpose collective way of doing things. But it sure is refreshing to hang with people who realize this basic truth---that we’re all very much part of the same family. Granted, it’s a big family with a lot of members. The other family member’s way might not follow your way, but it doesn’t automatically make it the wrong way. 

Santa should and probably will visit the assisted living center. Santa should but may not be allowed to visit the kids at the local public school. That’s a shame. Because when we spend most of our time arguing over who is offended by what, we lose site of the reason we look forward to these things in the first place.

So have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Good Kwanza, Muslim Holy Days, and Winter Solstice. Remember it is still better to be nice rather than naughty. That’s true for all people.