Holiday traditions are wonderful for many people. Anchoring, re-affirming, reminding many of a special place, time, tradition, family member(s), et al. Certain traditions are, of course, unique, or less commonplace among the masses. Today, let’s explore a few Christmas traditions and ask some semi-appropriate questions:
If egg nog and turkey stuffing are so good (which they are), why must we be resigned to such a short window of time to enjoy them? I mean, when was the last time someone invited you over for stuffed turkey and gravy in late May? Is there an unwritten law about over-eating outside of the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday seasons?? And then there’s egg nog; a thick, tantalizing, sensory stimulating, fulfilling and filling beverage with a unique pizazz, yet it’s simply not seen on most store shelves for 10-months a year. Why? A quaff of the liquid gold wouldn’t be as fabulous on a hot July day?!
Here’s a holiday anomaly that’s fascinating. The #1 song on the national Billboard Hot 100 in early December was “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by BrendaLee… a tune which made it’s first chart appearance when Brenda first recorded the ditty at age 13… in 1958! Yes, 65 years later, it’s finally topped the “current” chart of hot songs, one slot ahead of Mariah Carey’s (1994) “modern” Christmas classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. Apparently, good things really do come to those who wait…
On the local tradition front, we ofttimes hear about fortunate Hawai`i contingents that are asked to play in the vaunted Rose Parade. This year, the Hawaii All State Marching Band, featuring 290 high school members assembled from Hawai`i’s four most populous islands, will be performing at the 135th Rose Parade on January 1, 2024, playing local and Polynesian arrangements arranged by local musician, Siuai Laufou. Now that’s something worth celebrating annually!
…much like the Honolulu City Lights exhibition, the City’s Electric Light Parade, and the labor-of-love City Employee Tree Exhibition and Wreath Display. And let’s not forget Nāmoku Street in Kāne`ohe with the multi-home dazzling decorations that would give Chevy Chase’s illuminated abode in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” a run for its money.
Lots of local and more mainstream traditions to (hopefully) put a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye throughout this frantic holiday season. Enjoy the moments, laugh, and celebrate what you love. For ‘tis the season!
Think about it…