[Gpdd] MISC: A few things and my 2cents worth on Holiday Greetings

[jaaladog]

Hello gang,

Wow, it's been crazy here lately, as I am sure most of you can imagine!  We 
have been undecorating the house today :( in preparation for all of the out 
of towners that are coming in from Tampa this weekend.  ARGH!!  6 adults and 
5 kids, including 2 toddlers!  Quick, someone send me a plane, train bus 
ticket.  I got to find somewhere much quieter to go!  LOL  My girls just 
spoke up and asked that they receive tickets too.

We had a lovely Christmas at my folks house.  They are both alive at the age 
of 75 and even more miraculously, still together!              I am so proud 
of them for that.  And grateful too.  All the rest of the clan was there and 
we had a wonderful meal and enjoyed much fellowship with one another.  This, 
I suppose, is a good way to segway into my comments about the various 
holiday greetings that people use.  While I am not what I call a religious 
person, I am a spiritual and loving person.  I was brought up in a Baptist 
church all my life and  retained those teachings, along with a few that I 
added in on my own.  I have some beliefs that horrify my mother but I figure 
God gave us a brain and expects us to do some thinking with it, right?  I 
don't want anyone to be offended by this that I am saying but I agree wiht 
the majority of people on this who feel that our country, that was 
established by puritans and  that was built on Christian principles and 
beliefs, is being forced to give up anything to do with Christianity even 
being uttered in schools, courts, stores, or pretty much anywhere else 
nowadays.  I have always and will always say Merry Christmas to everyone I 
meet unless I know for a fact they are not of the Christian faith or unless 
they object to it.  I have a doctor who is Jewish and every year, I bring 
him a basket of my homemade goodies, full of cookies, fudge and all kinds of 
other pound putting on treats as a gift during the holidays.  But, more 
importantly, it is also filled with my appreciation of him, my high regard 
for him and yes, my love for him.  And yes, I DO wish him a Happy Hanukah 
but basically present him with a Christmas gift.  He takes not offense, but 
does take the basket and has brought it back to the office every year and is 
always excited to have me refill it!  LOL  Now, he has no problem with me 
bringing my Christian gifts into his office and I have no problem with his 
wishing me  Happy Hanukah.  In my world, you should live and let live.  Like 
if  someone were to wish mea Happy Quansa, for instance, I would not be 
offended in the least.  I would be just happy that they are happy and 
realize that that is their way of spreading their joy at that time of year. 
Please people, if someone does wish you a Merry Christmas, in the spirit of 
love and kindness that they are for all intent and purposes, meaning it... 
don't take offense.  Rejoice that they are kind, loving people who are only 
sharing their happiness with you.St. Valentine's Day is another good 
example.  Would you be offended if someone said Happy Valentines Day to you 
and you did not have a significant other?  I would certainly hope not!  You 
take it in the spirit in which it\'so given, smile and even respond wiht the 
same, if you so desire.

OK, that's my
2 cents worth, but I think it went up to about a dollar  before it was over! 
LOL  And, I will end by quoting the infamous Rodney King here in the US.... 
"Can't we all just get along?"  You tell 'em, Rodney!    Live & Let Live... 
works every time
\
Hugs, wheeks & winks to one and all,
Lynn, Samantha & Tabitha