Old School

You know a term that is becoming annoying to me? "Old School". It seems that almost everything I do is "old school."

I officiate high school football. I went to my first game after moving to the area. One of the younger officials (i.e. ALL the other officials) said "Oh...you carry your penalty flag in your back pocket. That's cool...Old School."

Well, wanting to fit in — after all a good official is supposed to be invisible — I tucked my flag inside the front of my belt. Five times I stuck my hand into my hip pocket only to find lint. Yes, I'm old school.

One of my coworkers is pregnant. I think pregnancy is really exciting, so it's fun to see her changes each day. I asked if she was taking Lamaze classes. "Oh...that's old school. They're called 'birthing classes' now." Ok. Old school again.

I have a buddy who's in his LATE 30s. He played guard for the Boise State University football team. If you follow football, you know they have an outstanding program, and it's no surprise that Mike is a BIG MAN. I said "You played pulling guard?" Mike, in the always tactless manner of an athlete replied "well, they haven't been called that for several decades, but yes, I played guard." Hmmm. Old school again.

These changes are inevitable. Things evolve; they get better. I can understand that.

But with Christmas, I'm happy to be "Old School". What has happened is de-evolution (see "Devo"). The traditions have devolved into something more like a feeding frenzy than a celebration of the birth of the Son of God.

Old school was a smile and a hearty "Merry Christmas!" from every store clerk; now you're lucky to get "have a nice day"...in English anyway.

Old school was kids saving their allowance to buy mom, dad, and brothers and sisters presents; now, mom and dad buy the presents for the kids to give (and teach the kids zero about managing money and responsibility).

Old school was a Christmas play at school where every parent (non-Christians alike) smiled, laughed at their children and had one fantastic time building a fantastic memory; now, well, you just better not mention the word "Christmas" in school. It's about as unwanted as the "n-word".

Old school was Christmas decorations the city put up and Christmas music in ever store. Everyone was excited and happy. Now, God forbid any city acknowledge that Christmas even exists, and once in a while you MAY hear Christmas music if you listen closely. The excitement is still there, but only after the stores count their money.

When it comes to Christmas, Old School was so much better in every way.