Pandemic Humor
by Jim Greer
LW contributor
It doesn’t look like this pandemic is ending any time soon. So, to keep our sanity, we’ll have to find humor in this relentless reality show.
When asked about his take on the pandemic, Jerry Seinfeld said, “It’s like the whole planet getting detention. When you get out of detention, you're really going to see things a little differently.”
Just think, someday, the term “2020” will be code for everything that’s out of control. You’ll walk in the door, and your spouse will ask, “How was your day?” And you’ll reply, “A total 2020.” Your spouse will understandably respond, “Say no more.”
Even going shopping, we need to keep a sense of humor. It used to be that when we left the house, we just grabbed our wallet and the car keys. Now we take our wallet, car keys, face mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and a 6-foot cattle prod.
The other day, when I finished my shopping, I noticed a big X on the floor by the register for me to stand on. I’ve seen too many Road Runner cartoons to fall for that one.
This Thanksgiving, many of us may experience an entirely new format due to COVID-19. Just remember: There’s always something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving.
Even if it’s just not being a turkey. On the other hand, many of us may not mind that the family can’t get together.
Andy Borowitz suggests, “For those of you who cannot be with family this Thanksgiving, please resist the urge to brag.”
Whether or not the family can get together, let’s not forget we have a lot to look forward to.
I noticed early this month on Facebook, my nephew posted a picture of the Christmas tree he had already put up in his living room. He just couldn’t wait for the good feelings of the holidays. Of course, if you’re a Hallmark Channel addict, you’ve been watching Christmas movies since the pandemic started.
I look forward each holiday season to reading or watching the classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. The story of a bitter man's transformation into a caring benefactor to the Cratchit family always lifts my spirits.
You may not realize that Dickens’ book is responsible for introducing the greeting “Merry Christmas” to the English-speaking world.
Dickens himself presented Christmas Eve readings of the tale in New England in 1867. Upon hearing the story, one Bostonian businessman, Mr. Fairbanks, was so touched that he closed his own factory on Christmas Day and gave every employee a turkey.
The allegory of Ebenezer Scrooge changed New England’s observance of Christmas from a day of drunken revelry into a day of joy and charitable giving. Once introduced to America, Christmas Past, Present and Future spirits inspired good cheer resulting in Christmas Day being declared a national holiday effective June 26, 1870. Despite current challenges, there are still celebrations to be enjoyed, and kindness and good deeds to be shared. Let’s keep our good humor as we express gratitude for our blessings.
