Christmas 1962. My brothers, Mark and Matt, and me! on Santa's knee.
Wishing a very, merry Christmas to all of you around the world. (P.S. I got a scanner for Christmas. Does it show?)
Kiyo wonders if it's appropriate for a non-Christian to wish others a Merry Christmas. I never gave it much thought before this year. Although I was raised Catholic, I haven't considered myself a Christian these last 30 years. Still, I always regard Christmas with a mix of solemnity and good cheer and resent the more commercial aspects of it. I don't like that people don't know what they're celebrating (all you true Christians aside). My pagan soul celebrates the renewal of life now that the longest night has passed. So this season has a fundamental meaning for me to ponder, even though it's not a Christian one.
But this year, more than any other, I'm aware of how Christmas has been stripped of any Christian value. No one dares says "Merry Christmas". The greeting of the season in stores and on TV is "Happy Holidays". And several of you have reported on the Christmas CD Banned for Mentioning Jesus. It's enough to make a very contrary person like myself start going to midnight mass again.
Well, whether I'm a Christian or not, or whether you are or not, I'm going to remember that what we're celebrating today (and the next 12 days!) is Christmas. So Merry Christmas to you all--especially to Jeremy, Kiyo, Ken Loo, Kurt, Jim, Bob, and Derek.
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens
December 25, 2003
Comments
Thanks, M, for a nice entry. No matter what religion we believe in or not, it's great to pause and think once a year that Santa Claus lives in our hearts. Merry Christmas to you all.
Comment by: Kiyo. Posted December 26, 2003 08:50 PM.
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Festive season! I really enjoy reading your blog - you have such a different perspective from other bloggers (including me). Keep it up!
Comment by: Kinki. Posted December 26, 2003 09:28 PM.
新年も良い年でありますように。
Comment by: ジョージ. Posted December 31, 2003 10:59 AM.
Dear M, As usual, I haven't checked my mail in lately, but I'd like to comment anyway. I loved what you had to say about Christmas. Naturally, as a Catholic, I greet everyone with "Merry Christmas". I hope my Jewish friends say 'Happy Hannukah' to all they meet and my Pagan friends will continue to wish me a Blessed Solstice. I think it's the sincerity of the greeting that counts. I still like to think that in America, we have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. For me, it is a season of Hope, and I have great hope that we can share and respect our differences without fear. So, Christian or not, you are always welcome to celebrate Midnight Mass with us, and I will remember that it is holy time for non-Christians too. By the way, do you know where I can get a big-ass (and ox) infalatable nativity scene for my front yard? Love always, Bets
Comment by: Bets. Posted January 16, 2004 05:30 PM.
Share Your Thoughts
Christmas greetings, y'all. Although some of you are far from home, friends, and family, you remain in our thoughts and our hearts.