Christmas Minimalism Prohibits Running Out of the Store When They Play "Little Drummer Boy"

[SoDesuKa]

I know . . . it's tempting to leave your shopping cart right where it is between the rutabagas and the celery and go running out of the store to avoid hearing The Little Drummer Boy. I have coped with that impulse myself, so I understand how you feel. However, the point is to encourage Christmas minimalism, not to make Christmas enthusiasts feel that they are under siege.

Stay calm, especially if you feel you're under stress. And remember, you're allowed to respect your own limitations. Little Drummer Boy isn't as bad as Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. Do not panic when you hear the first strains of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Quickly look around for your 10-year old and both of you make a prompt exit from the store. Granted, it's more difficult to do this when you're already on the checkout line, but you don't have to stay gone. You can come back and finish your shopping in three to five minutes.

And remember . . . all that stuff stops on the 26th of December. Blissful relief awaits you!

[Elmore Furth]

1. You don't celebrate Boxing Day?

What kind of Canadian are you?

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!

[SoDesuKa]

2. Burl Ives

Generally I'm pretty good at self-control in public places, even when they play Burl Ives singing "A Little Bitty Tear Let Me Down." It's when he sings that Christmas stuff that I break out in hives.

I've been lucky this year. I've gotten through a couple of shopping trips without once hearing Mele Kalikimaka or any Dean Martin Christmas songs. They started playing Christmas in Killarney but I was on my way out anyhow. I just picked up the pace, that's all.

[Elmore Furth]

3. Just remember who was born on December 25, of a virgin, had 12 diciples and ascended on March 21

Mithra

WHY THE CHURCH PICKED DEC-25 FOR JESUS' BIRTHDAY

1. Mithra was born of a virgin on December 25th in a cave, and his birth was attended by shepherds.
2. He was considered a great traveling teacher and master.
3. He had 12 companions or disciples.
4. Mithra's followers were promised immortality.
5. He performed miracles.
6. As the "great bull of the Sun," Mithra sacrificed himself for world peace.
7. He was buried in a tomb and after three days rose again.
8. His resurrection was celebrated every year.
9. He was called "the Good Shepherd" and identified with both the Lamb and the Lion.
10. He was considered the "Way, the Truth and the Light," and the "Logos," "Redeemer," "Savior" and "Messiah."
11. His sacred day was Sunday, the "Lord's Day," hundreds of years before the appearance of Christ.
12. Mithra had his principal festival of what was later to become Easter

Mithra

[JCMach1]

5. Don't forget Sol Invictus

Sol Invictus was the official sun god of the later Roman empire. The cult was created by Aurelian in 274, who made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. Scholars disagree whether the new deity was a refoundation of the ancient Latin cult of Sol<1>, a revival of the cult of Elagabalus<2> or completely new<3>. The god was favoured by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine.<4> The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 AD.<5> and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them.<6> A festival on 25 Dec. is sometimes thought to be responsible for the date of Christmas.<7>... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Invictus

[JCMach1]

4. I draw my line in the sand at Christmas Shoes!

[JoePhilly]

6. I started wearing my ipod in stores right after Halloween because ...

that's when the endless Christmas music starts. I like Christmas music ... the week of Christmas. Not in November.

I have to run out today to get one last item, and I will be taking the iPod with me as a defensive measure.