Salutations, traveler of The Internets! Welcome to William's Bloody Hell, so named after our founder, Sir Bloody William.
He is seen in the likeness above in a rare, 19th century woodcut. This
image was rumoured to have been
commissioned after a bout of unpleasantness
in the White Chapel district of London. Do enjoy your stay and peruse our many, varied offerings, much of which cannot be found elsewhere!
:: Today's soundtrack: Dar Williams "The Christians and the Pagans" ::
It has become increasingly apparent to me, especially at this time of year, that Christmas has become mutated into two separate holidays, Christmas and X-mas. Please allow me to elaborate.
Christmas, the basis for the two, is probably the more hardcore and traditional. This is the one that celebrates Jesus' birth, people decorate with Nativity scenes and go to church. Gifts are given to friends and family which are semi-representative of the gifts brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus. Prayers are said, and tidings of good will toward men abound. People dress in some of their best clothes both for church and a fancy dinner with the family.
X-mas, however, is the modern-day rebel counter part. This is the holiday celebrated mostly out of habit, a great excuse for a celebratory drink and of course presents. The celebrator of X-mas may still decorate the home with lights and a tree, but the more religious artifacts of angels and mangers are nowhere to be seen. Gifts are still given to loved ones, but mostly out of appreciation for them or out of guilt because you know they'll give YOU something and you feel the need to reciprocate. The baby Jesus is markedly absent and replaced with Santa Claus as its new mascot. Semi-formal attire is optional, opting instead for a sweater with a snowman on it and a pair of decent jeans.
There you have it. Two holidays eerily similar yet different. They are celebrated on the same day and both marked by decoration and consumerism, and yet only one could be considered a truly religious holiday. Christmas being the Mass of Christ and well, X-mas just takes the Christ right out of the whole deal, substituting with a neat little "X" instead. If you don't believe me on the fact that these have been split into different occasions, notice that other nations who don't believe in Jesus celebrate X-mas with Santa Claus and gift giving. Or better yet, let's hear what y'all have to say about it in the comment box.
William (X-mas caroler)
