Paul McCartney tells the story that he was inspired to create the 1966 hit song “Paperback Writer,” co-written with John Lennon, after being challenged by an aunt. She noted that up to that point the Beatles’ songs were almost exclusively about romantic love. Couldn’t he write about something else?

I can relate. Not in a musical genius sort of way, or in a global influencer manner, but in a “can’t you try something different?” way. I’ve heard it. “Can’t you write about something other than politics?”

Then there are those folks who tell me they won’t read opinion writing because they hate politics.

Can you hate politics and love democracy?

Certainly, there is more to life than politics. And, in actuality, I have occasionally meandered out of my political lane. And what better time to do so again, than during the holiday season.

So, what might be a safe topic?

How about the word “merry.” It brings a smile just saying it.

There may be no other word in the English language that can match its seasonal orientation. Starting sometime before Thanksgiving and continuing until Christmas, “merry” is ubiquitous. Then, along with the lights and other decorations, it is packed away.

When was the last time you heard, “I hope you have a merry vacation,” as someone headed out for a summer break? No one says, “The kids had a merry time at the beach today” or sings “merry birthday.”

Charles Dickens is largely credited with the attachment of “merry” and “Christmas” because he features it so prominently in his classic story, “A Christmas Carol,” initially published in 1843.

Dickens first uses the word when Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew surprises the old Christmas-hating miser with the unwelcomed greeting, “A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” Dickens then uses “merry” 33 more times in his short novel, lastly when the reformed Scrooge greets his clerk, Bob Cratchit, with the same “merry Christmas” greeting he had so detested at the story’s beginning.

While merry and Christmas are forever linked, merry does make other holiday appearances. In the song “White Christmas,” for example, we hear the wish that our “days be merry and bright.” In “Toyland” we learn about the “mystic merry Toyland” where, “once you pass its borders, you can never return again,” which is not a merry sentiment at all, when you think about it.

In “Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season,” Andy Williams sings merrily that “the merry bells keep ringing.”

Some people get indignant about the salutation “happy holidays,” as opposed to a “merry Christmas.” Happy holiday critics consider it an afront to the Christian roots of the season. It has become just another thing for folks to pick sides over. Are you a “happy holidayer” or a “merry Christmaser”?

Oops, I can’t go there, because this column is not about political divisions. I will move merrily on.

How about the weather? That topic has long been a safe bastion of conversation. Can there be anything more innocuous?

It’s cold out there. I hear it is going to rain tomorrow. Well, we could use a little rain.

The subject is safely banal, right?

I’m old enough to remember southern New England winters with plenty of snow. Now I am afraid to buy the grandkids sleds for presents because they will get little or no use. While there is an upside to mild winters, it is also ominous how fast the climate is changing.

I did it again. Even the weather is no longer safe from the political divide.

Speaking of grandkids, I have three and a fourth on the way. So great. You get all that love and laughter and hope in the future, but not the food bills, homework arguments or clothing expenses. And despite what the song says, you can go back to Toyland with the little ones. Best yet, you get to send them home and be carefree again.

My wife and I have done our share of help with childcare, as have other extended family members. It is tough for most parents to get by on one salary. It can be quite a problem for couples who don’t have family to help. The cost of childcare is a challenge our society needs to sort out … and, yeah, I stepped in it again.

It is so easy to stumble back into public policy and politics.

There must be something safe.

What’s your favorite color? Oh, wait. That won’t work.

Anyway, have a merry new year.

Paul Choiniere is the former editorial page editor of The Day, now retired. He can be reached at p.choiniere@yahoo.com.