Here we are — kicking off December 2021. The Jewish eight-day holiday Hanukkah began earlier than usual this year. The first candle was lit at sunset last Sunday night. I was pleased to see on the news Sunday night that Governor Spencer Cox attended the ceremony at the State Capitol when Rabbi Avremi Zippel got the Festival of Lights started.

“The Gov” looked comfortable with the Jewish skullcap on his head. I would think that he’s willing to try on any type of head covering, on any occasion, as he doesn’t have to worry about “hat hair.”

There are lots of “holidays” in December that we should remember. I can’t mention all of them here, but here’s a sampling. Today, Dec. 1st, is National Christmas Lights Day. Dec. 2nd is National Mutt Day. About 80% of dogs in shelters are mixed breed.

December 3rd is National Bartender Day. Bartenders don’t just serve drinks. They listen. They provide advice. They provide a shoulder to cry on. Bartenders are few and far between in Sanpete.

On Friday night, I’ll raise a glass of distilled water, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with drops of peppermint and lemon oil in it (that’s about as “hard” of a drink I get). I’ll chant “Hip Hip Hooray! Bartenders of the World!”

By the way, I just recently learned how to make “fake ginger ale” — 70% Sprite and 30% Diet Coke. Try it. I was surprised.

Saturday, Dec. 4th, I think we can all get behind National Cookie Day. I’ll be sinking Oreos in red cap, whole milk.

Sunday, Dec. 5th, is National Volunteer Day. Sundays are often the day that I volunteer to take a nap. That’s a good start, I believe.

Monday is the last day of Hanukkah. And Tuesday, Dec. 7th, is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. And that takes us through the week.

Of course, looming on the horizon is the biggest holiday of all — Christmas. It’s just around the corner.

I could be wrong, but I think that there are more people decorating for Christmas earlier than ever. I’ve seen many Christmas trees lit up and shining in the windows of homes. I used to be critical of early decorating. But somehow I feel like I need to join in this year.

My son and daughter in law and their new baby girl were down from the city and they were on a hunt for their Christmas tree a couple of weeks ago. It was a little muddy, but it was a successful trip up the canyon for them.

They found the “perfect tree” in a short time. They didn’t have the risky maneuver of getting it across the creek as in some years. The dog didn’t get lost or wet. It was phenomenal.

We had an early Thanksgiving dinner after they got down off the mountain. Our family gathered and it was wonderful.

The food and company were great. However, as I might have reported before, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) probably would not have approved of our holiday meal. We had turkey and ham this time.

I didn’t “take the bull by the horns” and grill steaks for this dinner. You may have heard that PETA wants us to change some of the sayings we use when referring to animals. “Taking the bull by the horns” should now be “taking the rose by the thorns.” The new versions are considered “helpful” while the old versions are labeled “harmful.”

Here’s a few more: Harmful: Ants in your pants. Helpful: Pepper in your pants. Harmful: On a wild goose chase. Helpful: Out chasing rainbows. Harmful: Put all your eggs in one basket. Helpful: Put all your berries in one bowl. Harmful: Killing two birds with one stone. Helpful: Feeding two birds with one scone.

There’s a whole list of these substitute sayings that will make our speech friendlier to the animal kingdom. PETA believes many of the original sayings fall into the same category as racist and homophobic speech.

I’m not sure how quickly these proposed changes will catch on. I do have to say that I like scones though. Some Sanpete restaurants make great scones. A neighbor was serving them out of his Dutch oven on his porch for our last neighborhood church “walkabout” recently. (A few members of the congregation volunteer to host people as they walk around the neighborhood to socialize and eat a treat)

The Christmas season motivates good behavior in many people. Sanpeters are good “Christmas Spirit” folks. Many of us who don’t consciously think much about it other times of the year, attempt to turn the spirit of love, peace and good will up a notch at Christmastime. I admit that it’s hard work being extra nice for a whole year; but many of us can handle it for a week or two or three in December.

The concept of Christmas gives us a logical place to “blame” our unusually good behavior right now. Christmas justifies our kindness. But, we don’t want people to get the idea that we are to be held to such high standards of niceness all year round.

My younger brother, eight years younger than me, passed away 10 years ago this week at the age of 51 — much too early in life. His family put one of his quotes on his headstone. I think I’ve repeated it here before, but it’s still applicable and good advice to all of us this Christmas Season.

Here it is: “I have found it best to just be friends with everyone. People will often do dumb things, and you’ll have to forgive them — you just gotta love ’em anyway.” (Kenyon Ogden)

Certainly “He” who is the “reason for the season” would have us be friends to all. And forgiveness and love are what the season is all about. Enjoy these days running up to Christmas. — Merrill

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