Friday, December 16, 2011

Merry Christmas! or not




I just love this time of year.  I love the spirit of it all.  I love decorating the house.  I love a tree with little twinkly lights and ornaments that have a special memory attached.   I love all the cooking and baking that's a part of it.  I love choosing what I hope is going to be THE perfect gift for my loved ones.  And I love opening gifts from my loved ones.   It brings out the kid in me, and I like that.





I had thought I might write about the whole debate about the words "Merry Christmas."

How some folks would prefer "Happy Holidays."

How some folks wouldn't.

Then I decided that no, I wasn't gonna do that.


 


The truth of the matter is, I was raised as a "Merry Christmas" kinda gal.  I've been shouting these words for 63 years, and it's kinda hard to just drop all that and in a split second try to remember what I "should" say so as not to upset anyone.  When I shout "Merry Christmas" it comes from the bottom of my heart.  I do it with my arms wide open, a smile on my face and a little bit of joy in my heart that I'm willing to share.  That's all I'm doing.  I'm not trying to make it "MY" holiday; I'm really not attaching any religious connotation to it.   It's just simply, on my part, a greeting.   My reflections on the bigger picture of Christmas will take place in private.  Quietly.  In my home, and in my heart.

So, when I see you on the street during this time of year and shout "Merry Christmas!" rather than think badly of me, just shout back whatever your holiday greeting is and may we smile at one another, nod our heads and wish one another well. 




Wishing you and yours a happy and joyous holiday season.


4 comments:

bo parker said...

Me. too.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Phyllis said...

Merry Christmas, Barleys!

I also wish you three a happy, joyful, healthy, and prosperous new year.

My copy of Arcadia came in the mail today. Thank you for an early
Christmas present.

Lesa said...

Merry Christmas, Kaye!

I've worked in a government building long enough (the public library), that I'm usually not the first to wish greetings when I'm holding a conversation. But, if anyone there wishes me a Merry Christmas, I answer wholeheartedly. I respond with whichever greeting people have given me.

But, like you, in my private life, I'm a Merry Christmas person, and I don't care who knows it.

Merry Christmas, Kaye!

Carol said...

I love your solution to this manufactured problem. If offered with a smile, I wouldn't object to Happy Kwanza or any other greeting. Unless a person is a government worker, where a heart felt greeting could cause major trouble, this just shouldn't be an issue. Merry Christmas! May your day be jolly and bright!