A moment in which the utterly mundane becomes magic.

As I’ve been listening to an assortment of Old Time Radio programs with Christmas themes, I’m struck by just how delightfully ordinary Christmas used to be.

The season touched every show you can think of, from musical reviews to “This Is Your FBI.” Christmas themes (with references to baby saviors and mangers and magi) were less decorative than integrated elements, like recipe ingredients that alter texture or flavor.

These shows were broadcast once and forgotten. No one ever thought they’d be heard again, and certainly not streamed over the Internet and available on demand.

Something meant to be once and done, but that lives on, is a commentary on the talents who thought these shows would now be only radio waves rippling ever weaker into space.

Christmas is a moment in which the utterly mundane becomes magic.

From a baby in a manger to old stockings drying over the fireplace.

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Fast forward 50-60 years. This commercial really brings home the true meaning of Christmas:

Show Your Joe

I’m impressed. It’s not every swinging dick that can play Jingle Bells with his balls.

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Merry Christmas.

[2013-12-19]

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