How Cool Is Yule?

Christmas music assaults us at every turn, and in nearly every retail establishment, save those dealing in Judaica, perhaps.  It used to apparently self-start just after Thanksgiving; now we're lucky if the bells wait 'til after Independence Day to commence jingling.  Any event, in this Common Era, the Christian tradition prevails.

It began sometime in the age of empires, when capital cities were in flux between Constantinople and Rome.  The Romans, particularly, were most adept at appropriating the traditions of other faiths in the interest of spreading Christian influence.  Putting aside the specific case of a recycled location for Our Lady of Guadeloupe, the Church, Universal and Triumphant, in Rome borrowed both the birthday and the story of a Virgin Birth formerly ascribed to a deposed diety, Sol Invictus.  Thus a late December observance of events that, on the surface, would appear to have actually occurred in springtime.

Other faiths and cultures followed paths that wore well-trodden over centuries and centuries.  In so-called pagan areas, a low point in the cold, dark winter season was brightened by feasting, drinking, and the burning of a substantial and real ceremonial Yule log.

Even a warmer clime made room for a winter party, with a minor holiday that featured Queen Esther and the shenanigans of the hateful vizier Haman.  Dreidels and hamantaschen liven up this particular observance.

And, so on.  Humankind looks for reassurances, so a respite at the worst of the most challenging season for survival appears frequently, as evidence that things will get better, that sunshine will return to homes and fields, that famine will be averted.  The attempt might just be universal, whether faith is involved or not.  I am reminded of a notable cab ride on Manahattan a few winters ago.

The taxi was decorated sufficiently to draw the eye, even in the midst of the city's bright lights.  Angels, Mazda bulbs, tinsel, flashing, blinking, with 105 decibel accompaniment.  The driver's name was Ahmed.  I asked if he were Christian; he replied, "No, man, this is all just marketing."

So, regardless of motivation and belief, we in SCM should take heart.  We'll face tough times, down periods, customer kerfluffles, leadership changes, and dire uncertainty throughout the year, and over the years.

But, it can and will get better - if we let it.  Have some cake, take care of your health, hum a pleasant tune, and light a Yule log.  All Yules are cool.  All rebounds are welcome - and highly likely. Famine is not imminent.  The sun will shine upon our faces once again.

Trust me on this one.  Been there, seen that, did it all, and waited out the cold snap, secure in knowing that daffodils and jonquils would soon brighten our steps.