I had never before seen this parody entitled Shakespeare and Christmas, by Max Beerbohm. The premise chosen is that since Shakespeare only ever mentioned Christmas once in his entire body of work – and even then, in not very flattering light — therefore he must have utterly loathed the holiday.
I think it’s funny.
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Actually, the article doesn't state that S. only mentioned it once. Here's another reference:
"…At Christmas I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth;
But like of each thing that in season grows…"
Berowne,Love's Labour's Lost, 1.1.107-09
And I disagree with the idea that the Hamlet quote proves S. hated Christmas. In my opinion the quote is rather reverential and a testimony to its power. Horatio, inasmuch
acknowledges that, which is quite a leap for a logician and philosopher:
"So have I heard, and do in part believe it."
Merry Christmas, Will ..and Duane. 🙂