Saturday, November 28, 2009

The South: What's not to love?

Since I never pictured myself a redneck (or as I prefer to call me-self a "Georgia Peach"), I never thought too much about making fun of the south. I mean come on-- everybody does it. You think "the south" and you picture Larry the Cable Guy drinking a beer, fartin', and yellin' "git r done," at the neighbors.

Don't mistake what I'm saying-- this is a most deserved stereotype of the typical born and bred southerner, but I've found there is more to these Rednecks than meets the eye. For those of you who don't live below the Mason Dixon line, I'll let you in on a couple of the best kept secrets of the south.

Simply put, they are two holidays-- the 4th of July and Christmas.

If you want to know what unashamed pride and love of country looks like- watch a redneck. They would defend this country's freedom to their dying breath, they know how to honor our soldiers and veterans, and they are unafraid to play " I'm Proud to be an American" at every social gathering possible (after they sing the national anthem of course!) When I experienced this the first couple times, I thought them to be corny and overdone-- until I realized they were sincere. They meant what they said and sang.

I've found Christmas to be much the same in the South. True, church is a solicitation here. I've never seen so many billboards, flyers in the mail, and knocks at my door hoping I would join their congregation. BUT... no matter what your religious persuasion, they are not afraid to share the meaning of the season with you.

This week, while we were vacationing in Myrtle Beach, we took the kids to one of my favorite dinner theatres-- The Dixie Stampede. I love their Christmas show- it's a lot of fun. My favorite part is right smack in the middle of the show. They lower a set down from the ceiling with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They have a live nativity with all the animals, and the wiseman- the whole nine yards. Most importantly, they are not afraid to let the audience know that this is the reason for the season.

I've really come to love living here, especially at these two holidays. Agree or disagree, these folks are passionate about what they believe and are unafraid to share it with the rest of us. Tacky or not, it is heartwarming to see the conviction and makes you stop and be grateful that your children are still learning "old fashioned values" that are so easily brushed under the rug in other parts of the country.

I guess I'll say I'm proud to be a Redneck!

And no... Ethan does not have a speech impediment. He's just been exposed to boiled peanuts and sweet potato fries since birth-- it happens.




(Man, I've got to do a picture like this, If only I could get Colonel Mustard to oblige my request! Please comment if you'd like to see our version of the "White Trash Family Christmas Photo" )

4 comments:

Jazz and Rod said...

Looks like you had fun in SC! Did you go to Waffle House for Thanksgiving dinner? That would've been pretty redneck of you I think!
I agree - LOVE the south! Wish we were there with you guys! (I thought "ya'll" in my head, but you know I'm not capable of actually saying it!)

Jaime said...

glad you had a good time!! and the photo is hilarious!

Bobbi said...

Haha! Too funny. . . and maybe a little scary!

We decided to make our blog private so I need your email address so I can add you--if you want to!

bbijae@aol.com

Caseyfam05 said...

Yes, I would love to see your version of it!!!! Glad you guys enjoyed yourselfs and left the stressful world behind for a few days!!!!