Just finished touring my non-religious Holiday concert, ‘The 12 Days Of Recess’, in my vegetable oil-powered van, The Veggie Voyager. For the concert’s title song (which lampoons consumer frenzy), the kids sing and make all kinds of silly movements and sounds to go along with each ridiculous gift: 12 Hummers humming, 11 hyperspace things, 10 frogs a-leaping, 9 ladies who can’t sing, 8 maids a-cleaning, 7 swans a-sinking, 6 pizzas flying, 5 moldy things, 4 calling cards, 3 french poodles, 2 ninja turtle gloves, and the Partridge Family CD.

Play ‘12 Days Of Recess’ MP3 (end of song 1:35)

My friend John and I spin the yarn of how my parents won the lottery when I was a kid. They bought all this stuff, but we all got so selfish and greedy with our things, that it was a relief when the bank finally came and reposessed everything. For even though we had none of the ridiculous toys, cars, maids, or pets left, we still had what we’d always had - the most important things: love, family, friendship, kindness…

Happy Recess Everyone!

Jay Mankita is a touring musician/educator who sings with kids and adults about healthy food, rainforests, alternative energy, sustainability, politics, the power of community, and love. He drives a veggie-powered demonstration van, and loves to dance. For more info: www.jaymankita.com