It is officially the first day of December and with it comes music, shopping, and decorating. There is a certain wonder to the holidays, no denying that, even if you don't celebrate. There are many religions all over the world and more so right here in our own country. However, despite the difference in our beliefs, some of us still try to make it a joyous time for all.
I don't care if you tell me 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'. Both mean something to a person. I grow very tired of everyone saying it should only be one or the other. If you don't want to say Happy Holiday, say Merry Christmas. The person you're saying it to can either sneer and be a Grinch about it or say her version of it and you both said the same exact thing, but from different perspectives.
You can not expect someone who does not have your beliefs to cater to your beliefs. That is now how this works. It makes YOU the Grinch. Not them.
This season is for giving back, not selfish debates over cup colors and how you spread your holiday cheer.
Next up: How you treat your children during the holiday season.
I remember my parents using Santa as incentive to get me to behave when Christmas grew near. You bet your bottom I turned on the charm and did what I was told. Even when I didn't, I still got something under the tree.
It is a personal choice to let Santa into your home. I've had many couples tell me that they refuse to lie to their child about anything their parents lied to them about. How dare they give a child this magical being to believe in for the first few years of their lives? Now, it's hip to raise your kids with just gifts. That is your choice. Don't sneer at those of us who think the jolly man in the red coat should be welcome in the house.
I'll be honest, I still get excited when I see a Santa at the mall. One today at our mall was walking around with a candy cane. An actual cane shaped like a candy cane. My six month old loved it. I look forward to getting him all dressed up in his suspenders and bow tie to sit on Santa's lap for pictures this year. I can not wait to do Elf on a Shelf with him.
We don't all do that though. That is a personal choice, however, we tend to look down on those who choose to and those who choose not to.
The season is all about wishing someone happiness.
Never forget there are those out there less fortunate than us. Who are spending their holiday on the streets, in filth, in famine, in war, and in refugee camps. We see the glittering of our own decorations and the pretty gifts and the lavish tables full of food and we forget.
Give the homeless a warm meal, hell, a bottle of water. Say the phrase you want to say. Celebrate your holiday the way you want to.
It is not in the holiday sprit for you to take a persons personal joy away. What they believe in does not affect you. Follow your own tradition and let others follow their own.
Merry Christmas everyone.
