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Holi-don't
"She says the spineless chumps from the neighborhood steal her displays right off the front lawn."
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Every town has one - one particular street or block or house where the people go all out with the Christmas decorations. Youth Radio's Anyi Howell says his grandmother decorates every December. But this past Halloween, someone stole her decorations. It was the last straw, and she doesn't want to decorate anymore. Anyi tells us about the end of his favorite Christmas tradition.
As far back as I can remember, my grandmother, a retired Oakland High cafeteria manager, has gone all out during the holidays to decorate her home in East Oakland. Santa's sleigh and his reindeer were on the roof, along with carolers. Inside, a miniature Christmas town, complete with an ice skating rink, sat in the front window for neighborhood to see.
The most amazing sight, however, was the families that came by the house with their children. They wanted to witness the Christmas scene that magically transformed an otherwise glum and grimy neighborhood. People would say to me, "That's your grandmother? Yeah, I know that house - I always bring my kids by there."
But this year, my grandmother decided to quit. She says the spineless chumps from the neighborhood steal her displays right off the front lawn.
When I found out, I was beyond angry, but I tried to relate to the culprits. As a young black man, I know life is hard out here. But why take it out on my grandmother? Their anger is completely misplaced.
My Grandmother and her community are routinely disrespected by the "get stupids" who do things like park their cars on people's lawns during sideshows. It's time for them to "get smart." What these youngstas don't realize is that the folks they're hurting, are the same ones who understand them and what they're going through best. When the police go upside the heads of one of these young brothas, it's the seniors and long-time homeowners with fresh tire marks on their grass who organize and attend rallies to support these fellas.
Luckily for the children of East Oakland, my grandfather tired himself out in the name of tradition. He alone put up the Santas, the tiny Christmas town, the lights outside in the yard, and on the house.
This year, Christmas was narrowly saved because of my grandfather's determination.
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