Yes, Santa sat for an interview with Skip. It was an interesting session to sit and watch. Lots of pipes being smoked, cheerful guffaws, and some elves were running about with cookies and milk. In memory of the occasion I am reposting the interview here for your edification! Hippyland:Is it true you’re a hippy? Santa: Yeah, but a real old one. I go back a long way. To Holland in fact. The Dutch call me Sinterklaas. Did you know the Dutch celebrate two Christmases? They really know how to party. (Santa smiles and winks.) Somehow a modified version of Santa was adopted by Americans. Hippyland: But what makes you a hippy? Santa: Well, don’t I look like one? Hippyland: Uh… let’s see, you have long white hair and beard, a little like Jerry Garcia I guess. You’re wearing bright colorful clothes that most people wouldn’t dare wear. Big belt, big buckle, big black boots, nice granny glasses, a crazy hat, but how come no bell bottoms? Santa: Ever try to wear those in the snow? Hippyland: I see… What else makes you a hippy? Santa: Well, I really only work part of the year, without getting paid, mind you. I love to travel the world, though I don’t really get out often. I live in a commune with lots of other little people. Hippyland: Elves. Santa: Yeah, but we take in everyone, we’re very tolerant. We just hang out making toys, a real cottage industry. Hippyland: Do you have any other Hippy habits. Santa: I smoke a pipe. Hippyland: I’ve been meaning to ask you, just what are you smoking there? Santa: I told you. I’m a hippy…. It’s real hard to find around here, but the closest thing comes from Alaska. Ah, nothing like that Matanuska Valley Thunder… Hippyland: Oh… so that’s why you’re so jolly! By the way, Why do you live at the North Pole? Santa: It’s the only place besides the West Coast where hippies don’t get hassled. We can be our-elves here! Ho, ho, ho. Hippyland: Aren’t you tired of all the Christmas fuss? Santa: I am getting older, and a bit slower delivering those presents. And I can’t seem to fit down the chimney like I used to. But I sure like having that milk and cookies afterwards. Best thing for the munchies you know. Hippyland: What about Hippy values? Which ones do you embrace? Santa: Well, let’s see, I guess along with the Christmas message of Peace, I bring good cheer and joy to children and families around the world. For environmental reasons I drive a sleigh pulled by reindeer that doesn’t pollute. We recycle everything at the North Pole and try to set an example of tolerance. We don’t discriminate when it comes to gift giving. We really embrace the ideal of giving. There’s too much greed and materialism now. If people would just give of themselves, that means their time and attention to those less fortunate, the world would be a far better place for all of us. Hippyland: I guess you really ARE a Hippy. So what would YOU like for Christmas? Santa: I’d like to see Peace on Earth of course. But if that’s not possible this year, how about a few grow lamps and some good seeds? Then I can promise everyone a green Christmas next year!
........ How lovely Zen. I know as Administrator you can be very tough if you really have to. But at heart you are just a great big softy really. And as for that Gal underneath you. She is just the same!
Ah, I remember Skip from the old days when I first came here. I read his book. Great job. Thank you, Zen, and have the happiest holidays!
Santa Claus has a red suit He's a Communist And a beard and long hair Must be a pacifist What's in the pipe that he's smoking? -Arlo Guthrie, The Pause of Mr. Claus
Glad to hear it! Happy Holidays, Skip, if you're reading this, from Angelgodiva! I love Arlo Guthrie. I saw him in concert twice and once at about 3am in the Greenfield Massachusetts Stop & Shop back in the mid 80s I figured he was there so late because he wanted anonymity so didn't approach him, but his hair was loner than mine! Down to his butt! Skip's book is a wonderful encyclopedia of hippiedom and I have a shortcut to it on my home screen I really will add my support in January
Oh good! I didn't even know you knew each other Yeah, I used to be angelgodiva but couldn't remember when I first came back; memory issues! Anyroad, have a great holiday season, both of you!
Welcome back, Angel! Great to see you here! Happy Holidaze to EVERYONE. May there be PEACE on Earth...
Deep in my heart, I do believe...we will live in peace someday. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL,and most especially the two of you, brothers!
Hey Skip my Dear Friend. Merry Hippy Christmas and a Hippy Happy New Year to you and Zen and your families, and anyone who matters to you. May I say that you and Zen are the most wonderful owners/administrators and human beings on the Planet running the best forum on the planet. I feel so special and honoured just to be a part of this wonderful community. As ever. Your Loyal Supporter. Boozercruiser sorry. what was the I hear you say? Now that wasn’t very nice now. Was it? ........
