A Most Excellent Celebration of Whatever Inclination Delights
A Holiday Benediction
To all of you- to all of us- who are getting ready to have discussions with our loved ones over what goes on top of the Christmas tree — Angel or Star — please, peace out. Be civilized. Toss a coin.
Thanks to technology, the old public humiliation of the stockades in the town square and rotten fruit toss is back in the form of arrest stories. Yes, Cop Shops are starting to send out arrest stories as smirky little features on the news, and if you’re not in the mood to have to fight someone for the title “Hottest Felon,” then act accordingly, please.
Or do you want our families to need to bail us out?
— Again.
But what if — wait — hear me out here…
— this is the time that doesn’t happen due to circumstances totally under their control, including, but not limited to:
- Tough love
- Judged a flight risk
- Unable to raise bail
- Could raise bond — won’t
- They’re in the cell beside you
Funny thing about urban myths. They seem logical. Intuitively correct. For example: Where’s there’s smoke, there’s —
…the possibility that someone’s enjoying a break. Life can be challenging, and we all find release as we can. No one’s perfect. Please respect personal and lifestyle decisions. All right. — Phew!
So —
True or Myth: Does the holiday season see a spike in violence?
A line of reasoning that may seem logical. Add family, close proximity, high emotions, and financial stress. Maybe a splash of alcohol, perhaps drugs. Perhaps there is a lack of medication. Shake. Marinate for 1-three days. So, does this lead to more violence? Legend or True.
The results are mixed. 1. It depends on the parameters. Or how you ask the questions. Call 911 or emergency shelter visits? And some years, yes, some equal, and some less. It also depends on which study you reference. Moreover, intimate partner violence crosses gender, race, and age boundaries. And yes, women can be perpetrators.
But it’s easy to fall into the mythology. Let’s create our own. During these next couple of days, with our nearest and dearest (*1).
Let’s make this the year that we make a difference as we metaphorically climb atop the (Pagan-appropriated) Holiday tree and then trade out — throughout the evening — and in an increasingly inebriated/stoned/frenzy-of-gluttony-induced-trance — The Angel and The Star.
Let this year be the year no one recognizes themselves in “News of the Odd That Didn’t Happen in Florida.” (It’s an Indy thing. Popular in Japan.)
Anyway, play well together, okay? Please don’t make me come down there!
Peace, y’all, and Happy New Year.
— Seriously.
1. All kidding aside, domestic violence can be an issue. Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/resources/safety-planning-for-the-holidays/
