BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 10:29 AM

Hawthorn is anciently sacred and comes down to us in folklore as the Famous Flower with multiple significances, not least of which is the blossom, the fragrance of which is the olfactory simulacra of female sexuality, hence its associations and sacredness*. The ancient Druidic significance of mistletoe (told to be a Pictish Shaman in Edinburgh in 1985) is that the milky berries were anciently considered to be the Semen of the Lord of the Forrest, the Horned One himself, sometimes known as Herne, as Lugh, as Robin, or just plain old Cernunnos. To find such a hemi-parasite growing in such a place would be considered very powerful magic indeed. Perhaps Sir Cliff's wine is Hawthorn Berry, a popular tipple amongst Hedge Witches and other Nature Worshippers.   


* Does, I wonder, the mid-winter blossoming Glastonbury Thorn possess this quality I wonder? If so then its traditional presence on Our Majesty's Xmas dinner table must give the male royals something to sniff about.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 09:45 AM

I suspect that a few people may have imbibed a bit too much "Xmas cheer"!

Anyway, to introduce a non-mystical note, the hemi-parasite Mistletoe (Viscum album) grows mainly on 'man-made' hybrid trees such as Common Lime and Apple. It rarely grows on Oak (sorry to all those of a druidical inclination!). One of my greatest heroes of all time, the late Prof. Oliver Rackham (God rest his soul), once stated that in prehistoric Britain it was probably more frequent on Hawthorn. Indeed, I have seen it growing on Hawthorn on a Cambridgeshire nature reserve. Last year there was great excitement when some of my botanical colleagues found it growing on American species of Hawthorn, planted as street trees, outside of a Greater Manchester shopping centre!

Sorry for the diversion - couldn't resist. All of those churches, that won't allow it across their thresholds, don't know that they're missing!

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Will Fly
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 06:56 AM

Santa Claus AND James Bond - wow! An Aston Martin in every stocking... That's the rite stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 05:56 AM

Excellent Jack!

But you forget that Christianity is the ultimate boutique cult. Mixing and matching, hypocrisy has never had it better. Someone will be falsifying the next set of Dead Sea scrolls as we type, integrating mistletoe, Yule logs, Santa Claus and James Bond into the gospel according to whose turn it is next.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 05:38 AM

Interesting that Sir Cliff for all his so-called Christianity sings about one of the Druidic sacred ever-greens, the pagan significance of which is so potent that to this day few churches / cathedrals will admit it 'cross the threshold (York Minster is one exception). Far from being a harmless vignette of seasonal innocence, Mistletoe and Wineis a thinly veiled pamphlet of Dark Lore in which the Seasonal Child King is a sacrificial victim to Santa / Satan, and whose bones will burn as logs as their entrails are hung in the trees in a fearsome drunken solstitial blood-rite to ensure renewal.

What's not to like?

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 05:21 AM

Xmas songs are meant to be cheesy, unless Shane MacGowan wrote it...

Oh, or John Lennon.

That clever mix having David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing The Little Drummer Boy, that was ok too. Jonah Lewie brought Morris tunes to the great unwashed with Stop the Cavalry.

Can't wait till next Xmas!



Mind you, I have no Xmas songs as such in my own repertoire, so I must be a humbug merchant in denial.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 04:42 AM

There's no answer to that, Blandiver, but I know what "dark perils" I'd subject the silly tw*ts who insist on broadcasting crap like "Mistletoe and Wine", over and over and over again, to!!

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Blandiver (Astray)
Date: 30 Dec 15 - 04:22 AM

Even though these banal dirges should have been forgotten decades ago we're still subjected to them, every year, in the weeks running up to Christmas. WHY???!!!

It's sad to hear someone ask this sort of thing on a site supposedly concerned with Folklore and Musical Tradition even if it is in the 'BS' section. Christmas has always been a focus of folkloric continuity and the perennial begetter of traditional repetition if only for the consolidation of the collective values of the community in the face of the dark perils of life. Each Christmas we look to the sun for a sign of solstitial renewal whilst taking solemn stock of the fact that some of us are no longer there. The old songs simply tell all eternity: "We're glad that we're alive."

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 11:04 AM

Good thoughts going out to you and Mary, my friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 03:06 PM

Cool! I look at a thread and see my name taken in vain again. It'll give me a complex you know!

Any idea what Jeri is on? I'd like a pint of it.

I have had a good Xmas. Too much driving, what with volunteering to drive to her brothers on Xmas day then took Mrs Musket for a night in a hotel in the Cotswolds for her birthday. (Just got back as it happens.)

Boxing Day was ok, my family descended on us, and my granddaughter ensured I know all I ever need to know about Peppa Pig now.

Party at the local pub New Years Eve and a weekend away in Leeds awaits, shopping frenzy for Mrs Musket.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 02:11 PM

Maybe GUEST's wife should buy a £30 dress now, ready for next year's Christmas party. Or she could wear this year's dress for the next three years' parties to get her money's worth.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 01:56 PM

Although Dee Snider from Twisted Sister wrote Celine Dion's hit "The Magic of Christmas".

Musket, you're trying too hard.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 01:56 PM

"I suppose it makes you look clever pretending you don't know the names of songs everybody actually does know."

No, I'm not particularly clever - just a discerning person with taste. Actually, I stopped paying any attention to pop music c. 1967 - so everything after then is just a 'vague blur' ... Hey! Didn't they produce some twaddle about sprigs of holly and mulled wine which seems to get played over and over again in every f**king supermarket and coffee shop from October onwards?

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 01:48 PM

Tins of chocolates in Tesco's today at £1.25. They were £7.45 on Christmas eve. My wife bought a dress on the 11th December for her office party at Henrietta Franklin in Kent, it cost £112. We were in town today, same dress, same shop £30 ! A window display of red seasonal underwear reduced by 60%.

Some people seem oblivious to the rip off pre Christmas prices.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 01:13 PM

Although I doubt Slade ever did a song called Don't they Know it's Xmas...

I suppose it makes you look clever pretending you don't know the names of songs everybody actually does know.

That bit from Leeneia saying you can get drunk or search for a higher existence? What the flying fuck was that? I got pissed as a fart on Boxing Day but doubt I abused anybody. I don't look for something that doesn't exist either. If sky fairies float your boat, good for you, but to say normal people get drunk and abuse their families is about as base as you can get. Anyway, more child abuse in the name of your invisible friend than from any other source, petal.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 12:26 PM

Some of us like those songs, shimrod , humbug.   Sounds lovely leeneia.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 12:06 PM

Next up is the drink and drive one. I plan to be off the road somewhere. (No, not in a ditch.)

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 12:03 PM

Surely getting drunk without abusing anyone is also an option?

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 11:58 AM

I play music at church, and usually the postlude is ignored.

Yesterday the postlude was 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', and the congregation liked it so much they stayed around and sang with us. We had recorder, piano and flute descant, and our timid percussionists got into the spirit and let themselves go. We loved it and laughed after it was all over.

People have a choice. They can get drunk and abuse their families, or they can search for a higher existence and find friends. Up to to them.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 10:50 AM

Back in the 1970s (?), 1980s (?) it became briefly fashionable for some British pop singers to produce 'Christmas Specials'. The results were awful, bland, cliched effusions like 'Mistletoe and Wine' by 'Stiff' Richards and 'Don't They Know It's Christmas' by Slade(?)Even though these banal dirges should have been forgotten decades ago we're still subjected to them, every year, in the weeks running up to Christmas. WHY???!!!Is there any way to get them banned?

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 09:41 AM

Having a great time.

Always do.

When I was poor as a church mouse and when I was minted. When I was ill and when I was fit as a butcher's dog.

I enjoy Xmas.

As the op seems to be able to use the internet, there are some websites that instruct you on how to commit suicide and leave a bit of oxygen for the rest of us.

Merry Xmas!

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 08:41 AM

Christmas isn't over. It lasts from 25 December for the following twelve days.
If you are glad to see the back of it on 28 December, that's because it started in November. So next year, wait until Christmas before you celebrate Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 05:47 AM

Good to hear you enjoyed it , Keith.
Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 05:36 AM

Once the shops close, it is a wonderful time of the year.
I love it.
I have been unwell this year but had a couple of grandchildren staying and we have all been so happy. Such fun and simple pleasures.

It is sad some folks miss out.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 05:20 AM

Only 361 days 'til Christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: DMcG
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 04:29 AM

Many of us struggle with concerns most of the time: some people it is deep on their nature and they spend most of their lives worried about something. My wife is like that. While she smiles quite a lot there is a special, deep smile directly to the world in general not me that I am lucky to see once a year.

This year we went out to a hotel for lunch and in the middle of it, there was the smile.

The whole shebang was worth it for that.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 04:04 AM

How about a spot of thread drift.

We popped over to see our son and his family on Christmas morning. As we got out of the car, who should come bowling down the street on his new skateboard, with a huge smile on his face, but our 6-year old grandson with his dad. Instant hugs all round. Into the house to see the 8-year old and the new girl (8 months old). We had a lovely hour there, chatting and having a few nibbles and a small (in my case) glass of champagne. Then back home for dinner - I went over the road to get mum-in-law (89) and bring her slowly over to us for the meal, which was excellent. Mum went back to her house for a sleep and a rest, and we relaxed with books and a bit of TV.

On Boxing Day the family returned the visit to us - pleasant chaos for a few hours while the kids played with the toys we'd bought them before and after dinner. Both construction toys that we could all help to put together. Mum came across again. At about 7pm my son and family went home and I settled down to the washing up!

The weather was crap but all was warm and pleasant inside. The lights on the tree looked great, and the nip from the half bottle of cognac that my son bought me for Christmas went down a treat.

I'm sorry for anyone with such a bleak outlook as the OP. But - for me - these two days were a chance to forget the cares of the world, however slight and temporary that chance is, and concentrate on loved ones. There are 363 other days on which to worry and agonise about the world. We as ordinary individuals can't do much about the world in reality, but we CAN help and support and care for the circles of our family and friends. And circles overlap.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 03:53 AM

set boundaries for what you will and won't do. no martyrs needed. provide something happy and sparkly for young children...talk with older ones about finances. don't stretch out the santa claus myth past the age of 7 at the very latest..i am shocked to see letters in the paper written to santa by ten year olds. have a family meeting and see who wants to do what. if no one wants to trim the tree, then don't. if no one wants to bake christmas cookies, don't. if someone does, fine. go to church if you want to, have a nice dinner, have some twinkly lights, sing some carols, have some extra chocolate, keep control of your money and your time. you do not need to fly across the country with toddlers...visit midsummer instead. get one gift to mercy corps or something in everyone[s name and just give gifts to the younger kids and maybe gift cards to older..and if you have elderly relatives that you think need something. give to the poor. don't use the good china if no one wants to handwash it.

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 03:42 AM

All of us need to whine a bit. Maybe this would be a good thread for whining about the season.
Our choir started practicing Christmas music in August. We get two weeks off, and then start practicing for Easter.
And I think I'm going to have a cold during our two-week holiday.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 03:36 AM

Whoa. I'm not particularly fond of the Christmas season but even I don't have that bleak and bitter view of it.

---

No surprise. The troll started this thread.

Subject: BS: Christmas is over, Bliss.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 03:07 AM

No longer do we see children out on Christmas morning with bicycles, prams and footballs.

Alcohol related accident and emergency admissions up 44%. Parents dreading credit card statements because they were bullied by children for presents they could not afford.

Husbands buying underwear for wives on ebay which their wives will be wear for the pleasure of other men who will enjoy them wearing it in the coming year.

North of England flooded again and a government who can't afford to build flood defences in the UK because they send billions of our money to countries that hate us via overseas aid.

Domestic violence peaks over Christmas, suicide figures increase and all this is called a happy time of year.