Use art to eclipse Christmas glitz

By Jenna Smith and ChristianWeek | December 15, 2009

Those of you who read my columns know that I am not an avid fan of Christmas glitz. Don't get me wrong—I am positively gleeful when buying a tree or listening to Bing Crosby's "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." But when it comes to the malls blaring "Jingle Bell Rock" over the speakers or seeing my neighbours hang metres of plastic gold garland over their balconies I do find myself indulging in some very sarcastic holiday bashing.

The snob in me complains about my artistic sensitivities being offended and I turn up my nose at poorly clad Santas, tacky flashing lights and tasteless decorations. I know I should be more concerned about all this commercialism deviating our attention from the real "reason for the season," but the truth of the matter is, Christmas hype bothers me because it's just so darn ugly.

So, you say, instead of complaining about the problem, why not search for a solution? I have, dear readers, I have. And many a solution have I found. There are noble artistic efforts across the country to counter your yuletide blues. Artistic endeavours and happenings which aim to restore to the Christmas season its beauty, substance and genuine cheer. Allow me to share some of them with you.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Vancouver's Pacific Theatre

More than just a site for the Olympics, Vancouver is also home to the acclaimed Pacific Theatre. This Christmas season, it will house a Kerry Van der Griend production of C. S. Lewis' tale of Narnia and Aslan's triumph over the White Witch. I know what you're thinking: after the blockbuster movie, how could they possibly portray a story of this magnitude in a small theatre house? I too was skeptic, but the cleverness of this piece won me over. It starts out with Peter and Lucy as adults (played by Kyle Rideout and Donna Lea Ford) returning to the Spare Room where the whole story began. As they begin to recall the adventures of their childhood, the magic is unleashed. The play is already gathering applause from audiences and critics alike. < href="http://www.pacifictheatre.org">The show runs until January 2.

CBC's Christmas sing-in

Every year CBC radio's Christmas programming highlights a variety of Canadian ensembles, many of which are church based. Musical styles vary from Celtic to traditional hymns to classical, and the award winning concerts never disappoint. For my part, I will be tuning in for the CBC sing-in on December 13 with the choir from Saint Andrew and Saint Paul's Church in Montreal. This particular event has been running for more than two decades and is something of a milestone for the choir. Last year's sing-in featured La Nef, an early music ensemble complete with the lute, harp, baroque flutes and bagpipes alongside the singers. It was a truly inspired presentation which aired live and then again on Christmas day. The sing-in is not only good Christmas cheer, it's just plain good art. A definite remedy for Scrooges and cynics.

There are, of course, many events, shows and concerts I have left out. Check out what's going on in your own town. Don't feel like watching yet another Christmas special on TV? Try to find a presentation of Handel's Messiah. Can't bear another minute inside a crowded mall? Look up the artisan's craft sale in your area; they abound this time of the year. Christmas is often the only time when people support their local artists. It's important. This is a season of joy, after all, and how better celebrate it than through the arts.