I'm finally getting some Christmas spirit...

I have mentioned recently that I have been involved in a major project that has taken up most of my time outside of work. At first it was just my daughter and me, and then Buck got involved also. But now it's about to draw to a close, so I can feel comfortable talking about it. It started out simply, really. My daughter enjoys acting. So she tried out for a local production of "The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever". If you have never read that story, please do yourself a favor and read it. It's not too long, and if that story doesn't get you into the spirit of Christmas, then you might as well be a farookin' liberal who doesn't believe in anything...I'd just have to quote to you from Mr. Dick at Big Dick's Place,

"Merry Christmas to all of you Goddamned Baby Jesus haters."

(WARNING: Mr. Dick's place is a very, very grown-up place...clicking on links may cause you some serious concern if you are of a sensitive nature.) Anyway, my daughter got a part in the play. Then the director asked me if I would like a role. I have always had this secret desire to act, but never had the guts to do it. And since I would have to be at the practices anyway, why not???? So Princess No and I were in this production together. Later on, I saw the need for a part that Buck would be perfect for, and the director put him in too. I also did a lot of the costuming. (I'm sure the director saw an opportunity for 'free' seamstressing, but I enjoy sewing, and these were fun costumes to create.) So despite the massive amount of time involved in this project, I had a blast. I have met some new people, and learned about the world of acting. I don't know that I'll ever want to be in another production, but I am so, so glad that I was in this one. This story is about these six awful kids, the Herdmans, who drink, smoke, whip up on kids, and cause general mayhem. They've never been to church before, the only 'safe' place to get away from them, until someone brags about the 'goodies' they get at church. Then the Herdmans barge in, and get all the major roles in the Christmas Pageant: Mary, Joseph, the Angel of the Lord, and the Three Wisemen. I don't want to spoil the end of the story if you haven't read it, but it's the funniest way of getting Christmas spirit. You'll literally laugh and cry with this story. A couple of funny incidences with our play:

Our original 'Imogene Herdman' (the eldest girl) really and truly was an 'Imogene Herdman'. On opening night, an hour before the show started, it was announced that the actress who played her part had been picked up for violating her probation. Seriously. We had to get two other 'Imogenes'...one for last weekend, and one for this weekend.

The littlest shepherd in the play is just the cutest boy imaginable. His mother also has a minor role in this play, and she often stands in the wings to give moral support to her son. Tonight she was there, hissing his name repeatedly as he was on stage. I was trying to figure out what she was doing, since it wasn't time for his lines yet. She must have seen my look, because she whispered, "He's picking his nose." She looks back at the stage then blurts out, "Oh. My. God. Now he's eating it!" Well, I'm too tired to think of any more. This play has pretty much taken up all my free time for the last month or so. But this play has helped me find my 'Christmas Spirit'. The best part of it is the laughter we hear from the audience. It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of bringing the joy of Christmas to others. I haven't done my Christmas shopping yet, and I still probably won't put up a tree. But those two things aren't really what it's all about. Christmas is ultimately the story of a man who came to die for us...No greater love... And to quote the venerable Dr. Suess:

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more."

Here's to all of you out there...I wish you the joy of Christmas, and most importantly, stop and take the time to enjoy it. Maybe even read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" with your family. But take the time to simply be with them instead of rushing around trying to make it the 'best' Christmas ever. The 'Best' Christmas was the first one...ain't no way you can top it. But you can take time to appreciate the love of your family and friends. Merry Christmas!