How many of you say "Merry Christmas"

I say Merry Christmas. That is the spririt of the season for me, and so that is what I will wish for others.

I won't tell someone no for saying Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings; I just smile back and say "Merry Christmas."

[katepoet]

Ramadan Mubarak! Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa!

I even have a friend I can call with whom to celebrate the Winter Solstice!

May Peace and Joy be in all of our lives in the coming months!

[judy]

Thanks Kate. The holidays are right around the corner. It's going to be 80 degrees today, so it's a little hard to believe.,

I just read this thread and I really hope none of this nonsense comes up again this year. I hate political correctness. I feel like it takes something away from us.

I was born Jewish, but got to celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah. I also know how to say Chanukah the right way! That Ch is supposed to sound kind of like your getting ready to spit. I think it's genetic and you need some Jewish genes to be able to do it right.

Why would I not wish somebody a Merry Christmas? And, on what planet is anyone, including a Jehovah's Witness, who doesn't want somebody to wish them happiness, even if they don't celebrate Christmas? Why would anybody of a different religion not enjoy a Christmas tree? What are they afraid of?

I live in a very religious Jewish neighborhood - not because I fit in - I don't practice Judaism - but I have a great apartment, it's a lovely neighborhood, very safe for NYC, my rent is reasonable, and I've lived here long before they did.

I actually like the young religious women. The men can be nice, but some of them are just too weird for my taste. They're not supposed to look at me because I definitely don't cover up. I find that to be so disgusting and demeaning. Other men have enough control over themselves, or they think about sex and keep it to themselves. Why can't they? Yuck!

I know my neighbors and many of the shopkeepers for years. We get along fine.
Part of it is that I just don't care that I'm different, so they don't.

I had some problems when I got Max because religious Jews don't keep pets. The kids were terrified, the moms still won't touch him, but some of the men actually run! Max is 8 pounds. I'm always tempted to tell them that if he does touch them, they'll instantly turn Christian, and then they'll die a hard and terrible death by crucifixion.

Children being children, they gradually started coming over to see "the doggie." I was very careful with him around them and he's a great dog. He just stands there calmly. I know he likes them. Well, over a period of a few months, the children got used to him and we all got very "proud" when one of them would touch him. We made a fuss over how brave they had become. Now, I'm like the Pied Piper when I walk them. They couldn't get over it when I got Gracie Leigh! She is a cutie.

It became fun and I enjoyed it and enjoyed getting to know the children. Even the young mothers love the dogs. They just weren't raised with animals.

But...a couple of months ago, a young mother told her child not to touch the "yucky" dog. Well - did she hear it from me! What a terrible thing to teach your children, and how dare you call me yucky, because that dog is mine.

Yesterday, I was walking them and two teenage, very religious boys passed me by. One said to the other, loud enough for me to hear, "Look at those disgusting dogs." Not a good idea - I said "Excuse me! They are not disgusting. You're disgusting chasehs (pigs in Yiddish). How dare you!"

So, I'm not politically correct, I have my own religion, I love God, I love Jesus, I love Mary, and I have a Buddhist alter in my house. I go to church when I feel like it.

I actually agree with Lissa and with Marilyn about all of the holidays. Their origins
aren't really about religion, but I just think Merry Christmas covers it all.

By the way, I'm a real Grinch. I hate Christmas. It's a shopping frenzy, has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ, and the music annoys me. I do love Santa though.

Okay, I'm finished rambling.

Merry Christmas!

[katepoet]

Sounds like we have some things in common, Judy.

I love how you seek peace in your life. It comes through, even in your humor.

Will you miss the neighborhood then? It sounds like with its ups and downs it has been a good haven for you.

[judy]

I dont know if I'll miss my neighborhood Kate. Probably. I think we miss things we know well always.

What do we have in common Let's hear your story.

[katepoet]

I was raised by a father who had been raised Jewish and a mother who had been raised Episcopalian, I believe. We actually attended the Unitarian meetings when I was little. We did celebrate all the hols. My parents taught us that we should treat religions cautiously as they can so easily become something that is used to exclude or persecute others.

I want to share a poem with you but I don't want to be an obnoxious poet! I already put up 2 last night that I wanted to share with everyone... I have one about visiting the Holocaust museum with my father.

Are you writing any poetry?

[judy]

Share it woman!

(No - I'm not a poetry writer)