By Alex Berger
Whenever I write about December, I immediately think of the cold nights.
Why, just last week I woke up with two feet of ice in my bed. They were Gloria’s.
And that’s not all. The next day, when I got home from the office, I was frozen stiff. Gloria asked, “Why don’t you take off that awful purple sweater and get comfortable?” “What purple sweater?” I said. “That’s me!”
But don’t get me wrong. I love December. It is my favorite month along with the one in which I was married and the birth-months of Gloria, my two sons, my four grandchildren, my parents, my father-in-law, my mother-in-law (MY MOTHER-IN-LAW!), and my cat. I guess I’m in love with all the months.
But, in December, I especially love the cold weather, the snow, the vitality, and the women who wear those colorful sweaters and hats. Hmmmm… on second thought, perhaps I lied. I really don’t love everything mentioned above, except those cheerful, colorfully clad women. “Gloria, it’s cold. Don’t you think today is a perfect time to visit Mickey Mouse in Florida?”
Ah, December! Many people do not know that my lovely month was once referred to as the Tenth Month. Don’t smirk. I know that you know that there are 12 months in the year and even this mathematically challenged columnist can count. But back in ancient Roman times, the calendar began in March. so, naturally, December was the 10th month. “Decem” is Latin for “10.”
Eventually, the Romans got around to making January and February the first and second months of the year. They finally realized that Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas unless it fell in December. So, the month became month 12. The name, December, remained because — heavens to Betsy — would the world have been happy if the final month of the year was called “Twelvember?”
I actually love December because of the important dates and holidays it embraces: St. Nicholas Day (6) – the day when German, Dutch, Austrian, and Czech children hang up their holiday stockings for gift-stuffing. The “good” children receive candy and fruit while the “bad” ones are left with stockings filled with coal; Pearl Harbor Day (7) – the day in 1941 when Japan, without declaring war, attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and plunged the United States into World War II; First day of Hanukkah (10) – the eight-day Jewish festival of lights. So, readers, spin a dreidel and eat some latkes along with me.
Human Rights Day (10)- the day in 1948 when the United Nations set forth the doctrine that all members of the human family will be endowed with fundamental inherent rights; Guadaloupe Day (12), the day some 460 years ago when a local of Mexico City is said to have witnessed the figure of the Virgin Mary. The event has been celebrated on that date ever since, and this holiday is considered the most important one in Mexico; St. Lucia Day (13) – the day Sweden and Italy recall the death of a young girl who was killed 1599 years ago because she refused to give up her Catholic religion. Bill of Rights Day (15) – the day in 1791 when the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution protecting a person's right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were ratified; The Battle of the Bulge (16) – the time in 1944, when Nazi Germany launched the final bloody conflict in World War II. It failed and the war ended shortly thereafter; The 13th Amendment (18) – Its ratification in 1865 abolished slavery; Shortest Day of the Year (20) – Will I have time to read my favorite weekly newspaper? Forefathers Day (21) – the day when the historic arrival of the early pilgrims in 1620 was celebrated. First Day of Winter (21) – All I can say is “brrr!’ Christmas (25) – the day when Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth; Kwanzaa (26) – the beginning of the 7-day harvest festival, celebrated by black-American families; Boxing Day (26) – the day in England when the churches open the poor boxes the day after Christmas; and Alex Day (31) – the day when I ask my readers to think of all the great things they accomplished in 2001 and get ready to have an awesome 2002!
In December, I also love the elaborate department store window displays, the majestic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, donated this year to New York by a couple from New Jersey, which will be adorned with hundreds of colorful lights and decorations; the Museum of Natural History’s unique origami Christmas tree, with hundreds of colorful paper figures hanging on every bough, and their volunteers (including Gloria) who teach the art of origami (paper-folding) to the visiting children.
And that’s not all. I also love Santa Claus, football games, rosy-cheeked children, dreidels, and New Year’s Eve. What a joyful list of goodies a million terrorists could never take away from us.
I must tell you a holiday story. Last Christmas, my brother Milt came in from California to visit. We dropped into a neighborhood restaurant for a holiday breakfast. After looking over the menu, Milt tells the waiter, “I will just have the eggs Benedict.” His order comes a few minutes later and it is served on a big, shiny hubcap. He asks the waiter, “What's with the hubcap?” The waiter looks him straight in the eye and says, “Oh, there is no plate like chrome for the hollandaise!” I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.
How about all those stick-in-the-mudders who may not share my fondness for December? Don’t fret. Just remember… in three short months, it will be springtime again. But, get out your overcoats because in nine short months it will be my chance to enjoy December once more.
Finally, one of the nicest things about December is telling my readers how special they are and that 1 care for and appreciate them. Thank, guys for having the willingness and patience to read my columns all year long. Have a grand December!
Reach columnist Alex Berger by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 139.
