The Traveler

Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: Opinion

Just as we despaired of ever completing our remaining assignments for the semester, we remembered: Wednesday is Dead Day. And so we offer our ode to this desperately needed day off:

While all holidays purport to be days of relaxation, Dead Day really is. No leg-cramping car rides. No conversations about the past embarrassments our families won't let us forget. No stress about whether the presents we picked for our family members and friends will be received as we're hoping. Just the chance to sleep in, study and hang out.

While some holidays break the bank, Dead Day involves no pressure to spend. No guilt for not buying a present for someone who unexpectedly bought us one. No sense of inadequacy when we can't afford to buy our friends what they really want. No need to decorate for a holiday that has no accompanying "season." It's just Dead Day.

While the meaning and histories of many holidays (sadly) spark dissension, the purpose of Dead Day is rarely debated. No bans on the expression, "Happy Dead Day!" No confusion about whether the origins of Dead Day are secular or religious. No arguments that anytime one person advocates Dead Day as a day to completely abstain from schoolwork, another person needs to advocate Dead Day as a day to completely devote to homework. Just a day off to do whatever we choose to do to best prepare ourselves for finals.

To whoever had the idea for the day in the first place, cheers! And here's to reinstating the original relaxed, benevolent and sacred nature of Christmas, too.

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