It's the time of year when people are giving to other people; it might be a gift that they made. purchased or even re-gifted, you just never know. But the season is all about giving and accepting what you are given with a smile---and of course a "Thanks I really appreciate it." Welcome to the holiday season baby, the games are about to begin. (Unless you're Jewish or celebrate otherwise, they might be over with already.)
If you ever watch Saturday Night Live, and you saw Jon Lovitz as Chanukah Harry, then you know how "practical items" such as "slacks" and "socks"are what he gives to the good little boys and girls. In the skit, Lovitz flies through the air with three donkeys pulling a cart---their names are "Moische, Herschel and Schlomo" and they help deliver gifts to children because Santa has the flu. Needless to say that since this was 20 years ago, and it still is one of the funniest skits I have ever seen on SNL, it left an impression.
Chanukah Harry is not well recognized by the children around the globe---of course we all know Santa Claus, St. Nick, or the guy with the white beard doesn't have a recognition problem. No matter how you describe him, he is one popular guy. In fact there is only one other person on this planet that's even close to Santa's popularity. This person lives in Oak Brook, IL. His name, Ronald McDonald. If you think I am kidding, Ronald is the second most recognized icon on the planet. Ahhh...the power of advertising.
Santa Claus's popularity beats the crap out of Chanukah Harry, but what's really cool about both of them is their desire to give. They know the importance of season and in their own separate ways they make sure the good little boys and girls wake up in the morning and find something waiting for them. Whether it's a special toy, new baby brother/sister, or practical item, it's all about the season and giving. So even though Jewish people and Christians have different ways of celebrating the season, they know the importance of making people feel good and special.
The photo above was taken in Chicago; the man featured in the picture was rummaging through the trash a moment before this picture was taken. He was not in a good way, that's obvious, but you could tell even though he was down on his luck, he believed in giving. How would I know? Because the photo you don't see was when he handed some of his food he had collected from a passerby to one of his friends who was rummaging with him. For me it goes to show that giving is universal and is not seasonal in any way; the next time you feel like giving it's okay if it's a practical gift or an outlandish one, all you have to do is think of Harry and Santa and what they bring to our world.
Thanks for stopping by.
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