holidays

I heard a true story about an immigrant to Canada and didn’t know much about Canadian holidays. Her family was invited to neighbours on Thanksgiving Day, and then to a different neighbours for Christmas Day. They were so pleased with how hospitable everyone had been that they wanted to return the favour. So they looked on the calendar for the next holiday. You guessed it – Groundhog Day.

She was disappointed not to find any Groundhog day invitations in the store. Never mind, they made their own. She went to the butcher to ask what meat is traditionally served for Groundhog Day. He said, "I hope not the obvious."

Truly though, does Groundhog Day have any less meaning than other holidays in our society? Valentine’s Day just passed. I don’t even know the true story behind Valentine’s Day. And whatever meaning we had left seems to have dissipated. Looking at Taryn’s collection of Valentines from classmates which incorporate various licensed characters (including The Incredible Hulk and Transformers – characters well known for their charitable attitudes) I sometimes wonder why our society bothers with these days at all.

So now I’m wondering, if we named holidays what they really mean, what would they be?

1. Go on a spending frenzy and stress yourself out over baking, decorations and numerous drinking bashes day.
2. Gorge yourself on chocolate and buy fuzzy critters for the grandkids day.
3. Buy extravagant gifts for someone whom you’ll most likely break up with or divorce while simultaneously making single people feel like crap day.