Yes, it's time to forge ahead into the dark whirl of spending and overindulgence that we Americans call the "Holiday Season." I have gone over why I detest this season in previous Electrons so I will not be repetitive again. Let me quote from the cover of a well-known home goods catalog:

"Dreaming of an old-fashioned Christmas? We offer everything you need to create a warm, true holiday filled with surprises and delight."

What is a "true holiday?" I don't know any more. I have nothing against the Vermont Country Store, and I sometimes buy their excellent stuff (fragrant soap!). I am not going to self-righteously decry the holiday consumerism and overeating because I intend to do some of that myself. It's just that I am now complicit in the myth-making, since I do retail graphics and advertising. What would happen if an ad appeared that sounded like this:

"Dreaming of a futuristic Solstice unlike anything you've ever experienced before? Leave those old cliche's behind and have a spacey, myth-filled holiday in our CyberWinter virtual-reality-enhanced resort. Vegan meals available. Gay couples and artificial intelligences are welcome. No snow sports are required. Sign up now and forget the candy canes."

I can imagine myself enjoying the low, dim days in a glass bubble above a pristine winter landscape, as the cold winds blow outside. Meanwhile the illusionmaking and whipping of cream is ramping up, for the big feast coming in a couple of days. I intend to have me a very fine real Thanksgiving among my real friends and their laptops. Wireless turkey, software side dishes, and cyberwine will be served. Have a happy festivity, everyone. I'll be away for the weekend at the annual fantasy convention I attend every year, and I'll be back here, if all goes well, next week.

Posted at 3:55 am | link