I have come to the realization that I have Bingitis this holiday season. No, this isn't related to Microsoft's
Bing, nor is it about
Chandler Bing from the "Friends" TV series. I am referring to the much beloved
Bing Crosby.
I grew up watching Bing in the "Road" movies with Bob Hope, as well as in the classic Christmas movies "White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn". He was part of my life, part of the joy of the holiday season. Unfortunately, this year is different.
When my radio station started playing three Christmas songs at the top of each hour right after Halloween, I was not pleased. It was too soon for these songs; they would wear out their welcome before Thanksgiving at that rate. I switched the channel when I remembered, and grumbled through the songs when I forgot. Bing's "White Christmas" was a frequently played tune during those early days.
When the station moved into round-the-clock Christmas tunes, it still felt too early, and Bing was still in the heavily played rotation. I got to the point that I would change the station as soon as I heard the opening notes of any Bing Crosby song...even that Hawaiian Christmas song, Melly Kamikaze, or something like that!
The 2009 season is ruined for Bing and me. There is a definite -itis surrounding him this year; he irritates the heck out of me. I think it is too late for any effective therapy. I'm hopeful that next year I'll be able to catch the symptoms early enough to avoid Bingitis. It seems like this is a malady that can be managed with a little preventative action. I'm going to have to silence the radio from Halloween to Thanksgiving. It's a small price to pay.