I should start off by letting you know that I am not a Christian preacher or theologian. I am also not a professional humorist. Unluckily for you, I am on the clerical staff of your local newspaper.

Although I do get paid for that work, I do not earn an extra penny for my pearls of wisdom, which my employers beg me to write on practically a daily basis (I really can’t back that up, so, “shhhh”). On the bright side, they do give me lots of peppermint meltaways – sort of like Scooby snacks (For those of you who know me personally, you can see that might not be a good idea after all.)

I enjoy and appreciate things that are opposites and the ways in which they combine to bring interest to life.  For example, in my initial career field of music, it is the interplay of opposite ideals (loud and soft, short and long, fast and slow) that help build interest and excitement. Outside the world of music, there are many famous opposite pairs that complement each other: angels and demons, yin and yang, fire and ice, “Moose and Squirrel”.

So, secular Christmas or sacred Christmas?  Do I have to choose? Do I have to celebrate Christmas by going full “Luke Chapter 2 mode” OR by making the holiday all about bright colors and being “The Most Fattening Time Of The Year”?  Why can’t I have both?  Why SHOULDN’T I have both (You think they’ll have pie)?

When my children were young, I read them two things at bedtime on Christmas Eve:  Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus and a young children’s version of The Gift of the Magi.  Throughout the season, we would have watched many of the popular holiday cartoon specials, as well as other live-action Christmas movies from both religious and secular tradition. We would have listened to my extensive MP3 playlist which ranged from the Christmas classics from artists like the Carpenters and Andy Williams, Christian musicians Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, through various instrumental styles, and then some of the funniest Christmas carols and spoofs I have ever heard in my life – especially I Am Santa Claus, the Bob Rivers Iron Man parody.

As a final word, my Christmas Eve readings would conclude the season helping us to reflect on the two greatest commandments: Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. The book of Luke, chapter 2 tells of the birth of Jesus, and the Gift of the Magi teaches how we should treat each other, even to the point of giving everything for one another.

Sacred songs, books and movies inspire me; Secular pieces make me laugh. I have a good laugh – a great laugh! It tends to make others laugh with me (well, more like AT me – you can take that any way you wish).

I love the laughter of my children. I want to hear it as often as I can, while I am still able.

Laughing people are happy, and I want my kids to be happy. We were meant to laugh, or God would never have given us Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, or Fluffy (However, I don’t know why we had to get Pauly Shore as well as those guys – must be one of those “mysterious ways” thingies).

So, know why you celebrate this time of year, but have as good time doing it. Just like “no child wants to play with a ‘Charlie-In-The-Box’”, no one wants to see joyless, grumpy faces, because like smiles, those too are contagious as well. So, let that idiot cut you off in the parking lot; don’t let him steal your joy. But if you do let him steal your joy, pray for the ability to forgive (yeah, that’s on YOU), then go home and watch A Year Without A Santa Claus. I love that Snow Miser.  He’s TOO MUCH!

P.S. But if someone snags that last bucket of Peppermint Meltaways out of your hands, step up and get back what’s yours. Those mints are GREAT!

Gary Wayne Dupré is enjoying his second career as the Administrative Assistant for L’OBSERVATEUR and can be reached at gary.dupre@lobservateur.com or 985-652-9545. He’s Mr. Ten Below, and GET OFF HIS LAWN!

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