The Space Alien always looks forward to holidays, especially those that brighten dark winter days.
But this year it would be hard to celebrate. Some human friends had become ill with COVID-19, and others were rightly afraid to enjoy holiday gatherings.
Hanukkah began the evening of December 10, and while the Space Alien customarily lights the menorah candles each of the eight nights of this holiday, and loves to play with a dreydl, somehow it now seems quite dreary because it would not be safe to have friends over for a wonderful party with special songs and foods to celebrate.
And soon it would be Christmas. In years past the Space Alien would join friends to wish them joy at this special season. But this year such gatherings would not be safe.
To express these concerns, the Space Alien wrote these words to a popular holiday tune:*
It’s the most wonderful time of the year,
But there’s no jingle-belling,
And who can be telling us words of good cheer,
As in past wonderful times of the year!
It’s the most worrisome time of the year!
Can we be celebrating,
if we’re also hating and living in fear?
At this most feverish time of the year!
It’s the most pitiful time of the year.
When we all should be shopping,
Until we are dropping, at malls far and near.
It’s the most frustrating season, that’s clear!
It’s the most blunderful time of the year.
Our leaders have failed us,
A dire ill ails us, and leaves us in fear!
At this most dangerous time of the year!
Your Editor was doubtful. "This isn't the sort of depressing message we like to print in the Space Alien Gazette!" she insisted.
"But didn't you say we only produce the most honest journalism?" asked the Space Alien?
"I guess you're right," agreed Your Editor, "but can we still wish our Loyal Readers a better, brighter 2021?"
"Of course we can!" said the Space Alien. "That's the best thing we can do!"
And with that, the Space Alien began to sing some beautiful, traditional holiday songs, and hopes you will join in!
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* When you are done reading this post, you can hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year sung by Andy Williams:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFGC_YgeQ5w
And read some history of this holiday favorite!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_the_Most_Wonderful_Time_of_the_Year
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