A 5G Christmas

In this episode - A 5G Christmas . . .

Eureka! Did you know, that YouTube still archives the Norelco Santa commercials for all to enjoy during the Christmas season! What? Who cares?

Face it; there's comfort in cherished memories that make the holidays special. Was it that long ago? I remember when you could turn on the TV and catch Santa cruising down the snow-covered slopes riding his triple-head Norelco electric shaver.

Ha, ha, before your time? No problem, just say, "Hey Siri, show me Norelco Santa commercials on YouTube.

How can you help but notice, that this year, the commercials are all about 5G! "Black Friday is better with our 5G phones." Thanksgiving is now a memory, and Yes, "Christmas - is - just around the corner."

During my kid days - just around the corner - meant Main Street, and our local stores on the square – Ben Franklins, Marshall's, Coxs Corner, and of course, there was Santa Land. Walmart, no such animal.

We would step into Christmas by first mailing our letters to Santa at the local Post Office (keep in mind "uptown" was only a few blocks). Starting at $9.95, you can order a letter from Santa at Santa Claus House, North Pole, Alaska.

The days of visiting the local post office, holiday shopping on the "square," and ogle through holiday window displays are over. The toys we wanted Santa to bring are gone. Well, not completely you can still find them on e-Bay.

Beware, the toys have morphed, instead of a Daisy BB gun, Hot-Wheels track, Easy-Bake Oven, or a G.I. Joe, now it's the latest tech, a streaming subscription, underwear, airline tickets, socks, and home appliances.

And what about Christmas decorations? Thankfully, there are no more timers to mess with; just plug your Holiday lights into an automated plug controlled by your smart device.

"Shopping Online" that's such an outdated practice; 5G cellular has replaced Wi-Fi, "Who has time for the internet." Check your e-mail inbox; I'll bet it's flooded with holiday promotion ads. "Extended Black Friday: Can't-Miss Deals – Shop Now!" For deep discounts, click here.

And a tree? Order your fresh Christmas Tree from your phone and have it delivered, set up, and decorated right in your home. Don't believe me; search for TaskRabbit.

Come to think of it, how would Charles Schulz have written A Charlie Brown Christmas in 2021?

"I suggest we try your iPhone, Charlie Brown," "Hey Siri, where can we get a fresh Christmas tree?" GRABHUB!

Ok, ok, reality check, A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired - in December 1965. I'll admit, it's still one of my favorite holiday programs. With 5G, you can stream it on your tablet or phone from anywhere. Yes, things have changed a lot over the years, but not the commercialism that Schultz depicted.

Now the statement, "Christmas is just around the corner," is followed by "Get it in gear, Turkey, finish your Christmas shopping!"

So, as you step into Christmas, do yourself a favor; please take two minutes this holiday season to listen to Linus as he recites from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 verses 8 through 14 from the Authorized King James Version:

"Lights, please. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace goodwill towards men."

. . . "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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