Today, as I was humming away to the Christmas music station that is playing where I work, listening to “White Christmas” (the Drifters version, not good ole’ Bing), I couldn’t help but think that I have never actually seen such a thing. Here I am happily rocking to the lyrics “…and may all your Christmases be white…” and that is really the furthest wish from my mind.
Now I know that some of you out there would be scandalized at my preference for a “green” Christmas, but let me clue you in on a few of my Christmas experiences and see if you might not agree with me.
- Instead of holiday shopping in your boots, coat and scarf … you get to stroll around the open air mall in the sunshine wearing sandals and shorts… maybe even a Panama hat. That certainly inspires a cheery holiday shopping experience!
- Depending on how far South you find yourself (I was in Cuba and Panama for a few years), you can find yourself on Christmas Eve soaking in the sun, drinking a cocktail, digging your feet in the sand, thinking of everyone cold and bundled up while you work on your tan.
- There is nothing quite as restful as the sound of the warm breezes blowing through the palm trees covered in Christmas lights on a balmy December evening. Gives a new meaning to “Do you hear what I hear?”
- And the best one … a warm Christmas is followed by a warm New Year’s Eve. It’s so much better to be enjoying the festivities at night in the warm weather , having a chance to watch fireworks on the beach. Forget the champagne … piña coladas for everyone!
So as you can see, while I am a big fan of the holiday classics, that whole “White Christmas” really only appeals to me when it’s on the radio or a greeting card! Who else is with me?
Jennifer Michael, churchwide executive president for the 2011-2014 triennium, lives in Pensacola, Florida.