Now, I realise that previous blogs that I wrote, regarding the festive season, and Christmas in particular, were, at times, somewhat 'tongue-in-cheek'. There I was going on about Christmas and affectionately calling it 'Boxing Day Eve'.
Now the usage of 'Boxing Day Eve', does sound quite awkward when used as a replacement in much-loved Christmas songs. For example: 'Have yourself a merry little 'Boxing Day Eve', just doesn't work. 'Rockin' around the 'Boxing Day Eve' tree', The twelve days of 'Boxing Day Eve', 'I'm dreaming of a white 'Boxing Day Eve'...you see, it just doesn't work. And, heaven forbid, can you imagine 'Noddy Holder' from 'Slade' screaming out that opening line to, 'Merry Christmas everybody', with not, 'It's Christmas!', but instead, 'It's Boxing Day Eve!' Me thinkest not.
So in my own ongoing tradition of 'thinking out of the 'box'...ing day eve'; I present to you, A 'Boxing Day Eve' Carol'. So this will be a slight variation on 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. My apologies to Mr. Dickens. My apologies to you if you have 'great expectations'.
Now then, you may be familiar with Ebenezer Scrooge. Ebenezer was a really mean, cynical and downright stingy old chap. Ebenezer had a business partner named Jacob Marley. Jacob Marley was not related to Bob Marley, or for that matter, had never even listened to Reggae music. Jacob, as miserable as Scrooge, had passed away and left the business in the capable and greedy hands of our cynical friend, Scrooge.
On December 24th, Scrooge went to bed and got a visitation from Jacob who was wearing chains. Apparently, the chains were symbolic of the way he had led his rather nasty life. The chains had nothing to do with a kinky fetish. Ebenezer also got a visit from the ghost of 'Boxing Day Eve' past, the ghost of 'Boxing Day Eve' present and the ghost of 'Boxing Day Eve' yet to come. All of these visitations scared the crap out of him and thus he awoke a changed man.
Upon realising that only the night had passed and it was actually December 25th; Scrooge got all giddy, ran to his window and yelled at a rather confused child. He asked the child to go to the butcher's and grab a turkey. This new, improved, happy-go-lucky Scrooge made amends for his cynical past. He became a friend to his employee Bob Cratchit and his son 'Tiny Tim'. In fact, Ebenezer became a changed man for all to see. His family, his new friends, reaped the benefits of a kinder, more caring, more compassionate man.
'A Christmas Carol' is a story of inspiration. It demonstrates that we can all change for the better. Personally I didn't need a bunch of ghosts sorting me out. No, I confronted, I challenged my 'demons'. Being positive can be hard work. Yet the alternative is a dark, dreary and lonely place. A place I left behind. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge...
If you want to see some of my past 'Boxing Day Eve' blogs , maybe out of curiosity, maybe out of boredom; here are some links: http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2007/12/boxing-day-eve.html
http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2007/12/simply-complex-christmas.html
http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2008/12/boxing-day-eveagain.html
http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2008/12/cynics-christmas-party.html
Klahanie Blog. Celebrating the all different, all equal diversity we share. Help each other, we help ourselves. Header photo: Penny roaming free in a field, with The Roaches, near Leek Staffordshire, in the background.
'Have yourself a merry little 'Boxing Day Eve' hahaha... that one's a killer. Honestly, boxing day eve didn't make any sense until you used it on those songs. Snow just fell all around me. You are right, we can choose to either become positive or display negativity in the way we face life. One will be better equiped with the former choice... though a touch of humor like what you did definitely provides more energy. Fantastic post, Gary!
ReplyDeleteDear Gary,
ReplyDeleteAs I said in my blog about Boxing Day Eve last year (and the year before that, come to think of it), so here it is, Merry Christmas, evrybody's havin' fun, or are they?
As we both know, this can be a difficult time of year for those experiencing mental ill health, but this year you seem overwhwelmingly, sickeningly (some might say) positive about it all. So good for you, Gary, but please spare a thought for all us cynics.
Wishing you and your family (and the wee people, of course) a very Merry, dare I say it, Christmas and Happy New Year.
From your pal,
David.
P.S. Still hoping to see you before the dreaded day. There is a card with your name on it!
Greetings Ryhen,
ReplyDeleteI have you have dusted off that fine coating of snow:-)
'I wish it could be 'Boxing Day Eve', every day..'
I'm glad that you saw the underlying theme of my posting. For it is so much better to look at perceived negative situations and challenge them in a positive way. For the alternative is, of course, negativity breeding more negativity.
Thank you, Ryhen, for your energetic response. It is much appreciated.
With peace and kindness, Gary.
Dear David,
ReplyDeleteI recall your blog: 'Chapter 17, So Here It Is...Again.' In that blog you alluded to the isolation that can be so enhanced this time of year for those in such a plight.
Yes it can be a most difficult time for those experiencing mental health concerns. That is why, I hope through my 'Christmas' (did I type that?) blogs, I demonstrate just a bit of comfort and hopefully instil some good-natured, well-meaning humour.
I will spare a thought for all 'cynics'. Just look at my more optimistic view of 'Boxing Day Eve' as maybe a minor blip. I'm sure, with a little bit of effort, my cynical nature will return, triumphant and bitter:-)
I shall try and make it into the office. I suppose it would be good to spread my overly abundant, nauseating positivity to an unsuspecting group of folks at MAGMH.
On behalf of my son, our Jack Russell and not forgetting, the 'wee' folks and a host of stuffed toys; here's wishing you and your family a happy Christmas (okay, I said it again) and a peaceful, positive 2010.
Kind wishes, Gary
Hello Gary,
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely 'out of the box' for you. Those links tell the tale of another time when "Boxing Day Eve" seemed a curse. Indeed, I was beginning to think I'd have a "Blue, Boxing Day Eve" without your humour, and positive sharing!
Living your life can be fun. Wishing you a very happy 2010 and a Christmas that blesses you, Dixie
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouraging response.
The links reflect other times in my life. I firmly believe that because I wish it to be; my life and 'Christmas', can be a time of happiness. I know I have a choice.
I hope you have a most wonderful 'Boxing Day Eve', Dixie. The positive interaction that we share has been an ongoing source of inspiration. For this, I am most grateful.
Happy Christmas and peaceful, positive 2010. Warm wishes and respect, Gary xx
I think those Boxing Day Eve songs could catch on, Gary.
ReplyDeleteXX
'Oh I wish it could be 'Boxing Day Eve', every day...' :-)
ReplyDeleteYikes Suzanne, 'Grinch', before he had a rethink, might just have liked this musical concept.
Happy writing to you, Gary x
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteYou know I reckon that's where Jacob Marley went wrong, if he'd listened to a bit of Bob Marley perhaps he wouldn't have been such a miserable miser...
Love the term 'Boxing Day Eve'
Cheers
Darren
Hi Darren,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. If Jacob had been listening to 'Is this love?' by Bob; he may have been a lot less miserable and miserly.
Thanks and keep going with your concept story.
With respect, Gary.