an alien's view on christmas

High Commander, I have completed my study of the race known as Humanity. They seem like a fairly typical race, Except for one tradition That seems to occur every winter. I cannot say I understand it; Allow me to describe it. Once every year, when the weather turns cold, These humans gather into large commerce centres, They hunt down items for other people Which they put into boxes and wrap With decorated paper. Why is the paper decorated when it only Gets ripped open afterward? They listen to the same ritualistic music At this time of year, Songs, I believe they are called. The selection of songs appropriate to this time of year is limited, But the number of covers of certain songs is rediculous. They take the carcass of a tree And place it in their living quarters. They stand it erect and put garbage on it. They often put a star at the top, And lights on it, too. Once they have decorated the carcass They put the wrapped boxes underneath it. The boxes remain for several days, Until they are opened, The wrapping is thrown out, And the object contained in the box Is returned to the commerce centre for another item, Or currency. On the date of this event, Humans open their boxes, And then proceed to visit with relatives That they have not seen Since the year prior. They eat too much Drink way too much And try to make small talk with strangers Who happen to share common genetic codes. Many humans dislike this event, It causes severe financial shortages, Emotional stresses, And intense organization. But these humans do it every year, And most of them don't even know why.Bah Written December 24th, 2001 © on Dec 24 2001 02:17 PM PST   0 • 9