Back in the day, when I was a young sprout growing up in the OC, I got a chance to be in the second grade Christmas musical at Tustin Elementary School. Since I couldn’t sing, my teacher, Mrs. Crabtree, let me play the triangle (a metal triangle that you beat with a spoon) But, since I had no sense of melody, she assigned me to play with wooden sticks. But, since I had no sense of rhythm, I got to sit in the corner, by myself. It’s OK, though; I got to go to the cafeteria for an early lunch.
Have a holly jolly Christmas, it’s the best time of the year. Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow but have a cup of cheer. Have a holly jolly Christmas and when you walk down the street, say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet. (“Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives – 1957)
Funny I should mention Burl Ives because, when I was in fourth grade, none other than Burl Ives, himself, showed up and sang children’s songs on the very same stage that I got to play wooden sticks.
Now, I don’t know what this has to do with Christmas – probably nothing. Back then, Tustin was a hick town of less than 1,000 hicks. Nowadays, Tustin’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s the home of the Jewelry Exchange (as seen on TV) where folks flock from near and far to buy genuine faux (fake) diamond jewelry made from cubic zirconia.
I hear that when you grow old and assume room temperature you can have your ashes compressed into beautiful faux diamonds. Not me, no sireee. First of all, I refuse to die (so far, so good) and I refuse to be cooked. You can just dig a deep hole out on the grassy kno1l, next to where the cat is buried, and toss me in. I’m taking my real diamonds with me.
You know what, I don’t much care for Burl Ives or “Holly Jolly Christmas.” A much better Christmas song is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Crissy Hynde and the Pretenders.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, let your heart be light, from now on, our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, make the yuletide gay, from now on, our troubles will be miles away. Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow, so hang a shining star upon the highest bough and have a Merry Little Christmas now. (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Crissy Hynde & the Pretenders – 1986)
Once again this year, I must ask you to refrain from buying violent war toys and games. Jesus and I both would not like that at all. Afterall, Jesus is “The Prince of Peace.” Please pray for peace and remember to keep Christ in Xmas.
Keep it flyin’,
Uncle Mott
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