This is the perfect day to launch the “Friday Delight” series. Even though I’m not celebrating Christmas today—writing to you from my residence in Israel—I wish I did!
I’ve come to learn about the history of this jovial commercialized holiday and cherish its capitalist and benevolent spirit. What can be better than erecting a decorated tree inside your home, buying a bunch of gifts for your loved ones, and lighting up homes and streets with flickering colors—as the snow comes tumbling down, covering the horizon in a shiny white blanket? Not much, if you ask me.
The “Friday Delight” series is, counterintuitively, inspired by Ayn Rand’s “Horror File” segment that she published in her periodicals Objectivist Newsletter and The Objectivist.
I do hope I am not misrepresenting Miss Rand, but I recall her justification to the segment being that the state of the culture in the 60s and 70s was so ominously horrid, that it would be improper to highlight good news and the occasional achievement amidst the downward trajectory. By doing so, she would mislead her readers, distracting them from the essential and pressing matters of the times.
Why then launch a feel-good segment, considering my agreement with her, you ask?
Well, to my understanding, her prediction of the ominous trend was so immaculately true, that we have passed the point of no return. Society has gone off the rails. Civilization is crumbling. It is too late for change. In the current state of affairs, with “horror files” concretized in every corner, we do need a distraction; terribly, achingly so.
The purpose of the “Friday Delight” would be exactly that—to service constant reminders that life is wonderful, the universe is benevolent, Man is heroic, and achievements can still be made.
Our world may be going up in flames; but as long as Man exists, so will his glory.
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In honor of Christmas, I wanted to share this lovely video below capturing the holiday spirit in New England.
As I yearn and long for America, having lived there for two years in the past (in what seems now like another lifetime), I will occasionally search for YouTube videos showcasing the land of the free: be it cities, nature, or the rural countryside. These videos have the potential to fuel my soul, helping me reminisce in my fond memories of life across the Atlantic.
One YouTube channel, named Trout and Coffee, is especially good at doing just that. While I’ve never visited New England, there’s something about the “soft,” cozy scenery of that region that makes me wish I did. The blend between the rich pine-covered landscapes and the historic buildings of old America—along with the modern goods that the U.S. has to offer—has an immense appeal to me.
I am fully aware that for some objectivists, this rural lifestyle documentary-like depiction will not be much to their liking; but I do selfishly enjoy it and, after all, this is my space, where I will be recommending my personal tastes.
So in case you live in a snow-barren area without the joys of Christmas, I’m certain you will appreciate this expertly-shot and-edited (short) journal of Christmas in the Berkshires. Merry Christmas!
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P.S.
From now on I will send a weekly email on Fridays that will link to all previous articles that have gone up during the week (if any). So apologies if two emails in two days was too much to your liking. It won’t happen again.
I love your idyllic concept of America. It was once as you described. As freedoms errode before our eyes, our youth unbothered, so, too, does your vision of Americana. Only God can restore what we once were.
Merry Christmas! It is very needed to talk about good and positive things always, but especially in tough times. Best weapon against psychological warfare is positivity. I spend Christmas and New Years in Israel 2 years ago, and had an amazing time. Still remember seeing a swimming Santa doing tricks on a surf board at the beach in Tel Aviv. Really made us laugh.