Alas, we are through with Christmas. Now run along children and return/re-gift those unwanted prezzies, mob the malls and spend that well deserved cash and drive that new BMW while it still has that audacious red ribbon still tied around it so everyone can see it. I jest. I actually like the holiday season. There are though two side affects that I don’t like.
The first of which is rather selfish. Have you ever tried to date someone during the overly long and drawn out holiday season? I’ve come to the conclusion that dating around this time of year is exactly how I would imagine walking through a mine field must feel like. Avoiding the mines (holiday parties, family, work, travel…) is all but impossible. If you do manage to get a few dates in there it’s inevitable that mines will get in the way at some point and you’ll end up going several weeks with little or no communication. At this point, regardless of how well you got on with one another, there is not telling what may or may not happen. Can you tell I’m frustrated by this? Ok, moving on.
The second effect is a bit more “green” if you will. If aliens were to land on the planet just after Christmas I think they would most certainly be befuddled by all the Christmas trees littering the sidewalks of our fair city. Now I don’t claim to know the relevance of having the tree and I know that these trees are farmed for this particular use but is it really necessary? I could find plenty of other places to put the presents under. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like the trees, they smell great in homes, look pretty neat and are certainly a symbol of the season. I guess what I really want is for people to find ways to utilize and use the tree once they are done looking at it. I know trees at the lot that go unused are often given away to farmers (erosion control), local charities or just flat out burned (not a good idea). Most people claim that they leave the tree on the curb for “recycling.” My understanding is that you actually have to pay to have someone pick it up for this service, although I am almost always proven wrong. Come on city dwellers are you actually doing this. I doubt that tree left on the corner of California and Gough was requested to be picked up. Ok, what am I driving at? Well, I’m going to give you some suggestions on what to do. First, make a tree person. Come on it’ll be fun. It’s like a snowman only it doesn’t melt. You can put big googly eyes, a scarf and maybe some glasses on it. Then whenever you’re home it’ll always feel like you’ve got guests. Next up, make it a project for your child to single handedly remove ever pine needle, one at a time. Then use said needles for an art project, rad right? Lastly find a farmer to come out and pick it up. Here’s a wonky site with some information on tree recycling and here’s an article from 2008 talking about what happens to SF’s trees. Ok, I got tired of thinking, I’m done with this little rant. But click the link below cause there’s some more goodies for you. It’s almost as though they’re under the tree but really they’re “under” the link.
Christmas Tree Alternative?
And one more… This guy actually made a giant pinwheel with the trees and then set them on fire. Kind of hard to explain but click the link to check it out:
Now we get to the real reason you may be reading this post, what’s happenin’ SF?
Now through early January, 2010
- Books, Inc. is currently having their annual after X-Mas sale. It’s “while supplies last” kind of situation so if you’re really antsy to get something good I’d get to one of their shops quickly. I had to call to see how long the sale goes on for and I was notified that most of the goods are X-Mas related. But, I also saw on the website that you get a discount on calendars, probably one’s with cute kitties or little puppies and moleskin 2010 organizers. I’ll pass thank you, but maybe you’ll find something there worth purchasing. You can always get next years X-Mas cards now right?
Tuesday, December 29th
@ 7pm
- Ahhhh, an actual event this week!! Go check out Diana Richmond, author, at Book Passage in Corte Madera. She’ll be talking about her book Some Other Time. No offense to the author or book store, but I will not be there. I mean, I kind of had to put this event out there cause I’m assuming this is the only author event in the bay area this week. The book sounds like it could be a bit like “When Harry Met Sally” minus the greatest fake orgasm scene ever and all the humor.
Sunday, January 3rd
@ 7pm
- I spoke to soon, there is yet another event this week. Jacob Needleman, author, philosopher and lecturer will be speaking at Browser Books on Fillmore. Needleman will be talking about his book What Is God?. If you can’t already tell what this book is about from the title, then you don’t deserve to know the answer. Awww, just teasing. If your interested in religious philosophy go check it. And by the way, I really like this book store.
Ok, it’s no lie, this is a long post. It’s also not a lie that had these two events been going on during a normal week (ie not holidays) I most likely would not have included these events. I think you already knew that though. Go forth, enjoy and happy new year!
