Into the Holiday Blender

First there were SUVs and sedans. Then the best of both in crossovers.

First there were upscale mansions or hovels. Finally the wisdom of elegant, but tiny houses.

Blending some holidays together into one day is a logical progression.

Not a hostile takeover.

Not so outlandish – a modern simplification of life.

Distilled to the essence and keeping the best of each.

And hey, it would solve all those awkward situations of someone being left out for one reason or the other in the current one focus per holiday.

Valentines day is the perfect intro to the general public of holiday merging.

It’s all about love and relationships, so smush in Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, Day of the Young Child…

Think of the time you’ll save – one day for all and done!

How could companies and school refuse to declare a merged Valentines Day a day off?

Combine holidays? Not until there’s a cold day in…  (Actually snow at the ranch last week. © Image)

I know, marketing and retail will Grinch about crashing their the economy, but they would soon hype Valentines Day up into a Christmas-like gift binge and competition.

Valentines Day would soon require home decor, table decorations, and party ware as well as cards and gifts.

Think of the demand for fancy food items, catering, and restaurants.

Children could again be singing “Over the River and through the woods..” as they travel. Airports would be thrilled with another command performance of don’t-you-dare-miss-or-you’ll-be-the-one-everyone-talks-about family gathering.

Think about it. This could be huge! Hmmm, now what other holidays could be consolidated?

Halloween, All Saint’s Day, and Día de los muertos are already pretty close.

Not sure if July 4th, Cinco de mayo, and Bastille Day would every really work…all about freedom, but battles could be waged over those.

Merges would also silence those who say, “If every day is special, then nothing is special!”

Well, nothing can be pretty special.

The Gift of Nothing Day, December 15th, is almost here!

(The what? The Why? And the How? here)

The holiday Gift of Nothing Day founded by Mooch the cat.(screenshot giftofnothing.mutts.com)

Author’s quote. Philosophy behind “The Gift of Nothing”. (Screenshot Mutts.com)

Christmas was pretty much nothing when I was little.

Oh, we had the decorations, tree, and carols, but with birthdays so close and a frugal budget, Santa was practical and knew you’d appreciate and treasure one gift much more than a couple of flimsy, cheap items destined for short-lived interest or life.

We, kids, knew not to expect much as “It’s the thought that counts.”

But still packages were more than just wrapped in bright paper. It started out as making the boxes look like what the Three Kings might have brought to the first Noel. Each present was wrapped and decorated with cutouts from old Christmas cards, magazines, stickers, glitter, rescued silk flowers, bits of ribbon/lace/braid – items collected over each year. Handmade bows – none of those shiny pointed ones from the store.

As I got older I ended up wrapping most of the presents for the entire family – each year with a themes like Victorian, Wild West or Farmer Santa. For weeks ahead of Christmas, the tree proudly stood over a magical display worthy of an expensive department store.

Although we all knew there was nothing in the boxes – well, we did do silly things like adding a brick or bells so if the present was shaken, you’d never guess what was in it. And there were witty gag sayings on the tags to suggest but mislead what was inside. Although “Sock it to ya’ ” would have been considered too easy for knee highs, but “Got your goat” might wind up on a mohair sweater box.

We thought it was fun. Christmas is supposed to be all about joy, right?

It was the thought that counts, anyway.

As Christmas approaches, I often think of nothing.

As the holidays blend into the year, maybe mix in a bit of nothing for flavor

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

See more of our Christmas present wrappings here: ” Fa LA-LA LA LA: thought, time, and paste”

Christmas angel with red velvet bows. Vintage Victorian style gift wrap. (© Image)

Two Christmas angels with Bluebirds of Happiness. Victorian Christmas. (© Image)

 

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