The Inanna-verse.

  (Inanna, Ninshubar, and Ereshkigal are seated before a flatscreen watching “A Year without Santa Claus”.   There is a large quantity of red and green iced brownies on a platter perched on a coffee table in front of them). INANNA:   Oh, dear.   I hope that Santa Claus can get on his feet to spread Christmas cheer! ERESHKIGAL:   Nonny, we watch this stupid show year after year and the ending is the same! NINSHUBAR:   And year after year you two get in a fight about it.   Calm down and enjoy the day. INANNA:   Do you think Santa Claus is real? ERESHKIGAL:   Oh, I don’t believe this... INANNA:   I’m serious!   Lots of people don’t believe we’re goddesses, but we are! NINSHUBAR:   Nonny, if you look into your heart as a source of generosity and charity, there lies the spirit that is Santa Claus. (Pause). INANNA:   You don’t believe a word you just said, do you? NINSHUBAR:   Well, I believe in generosity and charity— ERES...

The Sumerian goddesses Inanna, Ninshubur and Ereshkigal enter the dining hall.   On the table is an impressive spread:   Stuffed roast turkey, sliced ham, lamb chops, sweet potatoes, large bowls of snap peas, apples, peaches, figs, and other delicacies… Inanna skips up to the table and jumps into her seat.   She rubs her hands together eagerly. INANNA Oh, boy!   Oh, wow, Oh, golly,  Oh, joy, Oh bliss!   I’m gonna eat  so much,  I’ll vomit!   ERESHKIGAL Just a second, sis! NINSHUBUR Don’t you think you’re overlooking  something? INANNA What?   Oh, yes! Inanna ties a napkin around her neck and picks up a steak knife and fork. INANNA All right!   Let’s eat like hogs  after a truffle hunt! NINSHUBUR Now, now, now... INANNA What, what, what? ERESHKIGAL It is time to sing what  the modern folk call caroling. INANNA Do we know a Carol?   I don’t  remember  us inviting a Carol. NINSHUBUR A carol is a song,...