I am not against the use of “Holiday” or “December Nights,” but I object to the pussy-footing around the ancient tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Dec. 25; going so far as to avoid even saying his name so as not to offend others. What’s to offend? December has several important days of celebration for many peoples.
Let’s combine, mix and match. Let’s learn from our friends and neighbors and share the joy and significance of these special times. If you are uncomfortable with that, at least do not pretend the lights burning for eight days did not happen, the African American community has not established a wonderful celebration and Christ is not to be mentioned on Christ mass day.
A recent newspaper article listed and explained 27 TV specials and 23 TV movies for December. Bending over backwards not to print the forbidden word, “holiday” was the winning substitution with adjectives: festive, party, events, spirit, season, themed, evening, etc. “Holy” did not make the cut. There was one mention of an angel, but not one hovering o’er a manger. Santa and a plethora of other darling creations abounded.
I am counting on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to buck the trend and belt out something religious. To give credit, Hanukkah was allotted one mention, but Kwanza seems to be a non-event. All the shows will invariably climax in lessons of Goodness and Love with cloyingly adorable children and teary-eyed adults finding the True Spirit of Chris…, sorry, I mean, the Holidays.
Finally, a reminder: Hanukkah is Dec. 16-24, the Winter Solstice is Dec. 21, Christmas is Dec. 25 and Kwanza is Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Happy everything, everybody.
To beard or not to beard
Fads and fashions are often of utmost importance to members of the LGBT community, some more than others to be sure, but to be “in” is always desirable. Unfortunately, due to the constant changing of styles, we seniors have closets full of clothes which were once fashionable and fabulous – my scarlet Nehru jacket brought tortured gasps of envy – thus we wait for the trends to return. The fact few still fit is irrelevant.
My current displeasure deals with the fad for the new products which de-hair by electrolysis, plucking, shaving, waxing (whatever that is) and what looks like adhesive tape which they then rip off (AAUGH! You crazy people!).
Such devices used to be for armpits and legs for women, but now the target is men’s hair on arms, backs, chests and faces and implies such hair is now unattractive. What a crock! Hair is sexy and for a guy’s polish and class, a beard (the facial kind) is a great accouterment. I’m not a fan of the scruffy three-day baby beard recently in vogue; I mean the many types of well-groomed, real beards which can add to a man’s allure, dignity, even sexy mystery.
I suggest when shaving, you play with several designs to see the effect of a new look; not to mention how it covers those jowls and frown lines. Sure, some people like the all-over shaved appearance, but let’s face it, the only thing truly handsome when bald is a well-shaped head, such as mine. It contrasts and emphasizes the lower zones for appreciation by the countless admirers of the masculine hairy arms, chests, legs, etc.
As you no doubt noticed, I have avoided discussing the “bikini area” (puleeze!) and its depilation. I’m saving that hairy topic for another article.
