cantoresq –
My idea of Oneg Shabbos is going to the Rebbe’s tish, another’s idea is getting together with friends. But proper decorum is first and foremost. I was with you on your inital post, but in your 2nd, you equate a “book” to a “sefer”, and that’s where we part company. A “book” is something you read and you’re done with it. A sefer is our link to Hashem. Along the same lines, the Shabbos day is our link to Hashem.. not just another day off.
If your choice was a crisp Polo oxford, Gucci loafers (without socks) and tropical weight wool slacks, going for a walk with the family, no one would blink. But khakis? or shorts? Playing in the yard? That’s pushing it by anyone’s standards.
Few people my age (over 40) enjoy the outdoors as much or as often as I do. But Shabbos is Shabbos. I’ll let you (and the rest of the CR) in on another secret; I scale back my outdoor activities during the 9 days and yemeie sleichos, not because “its not allowed”, but because those days are different. And we need to show that we recognize them as such. Not because of “what the neighbors will say” but because of what WE need to say (meaning need to stand for)