Have we forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?

I am not one to talk religion or politics, but there is things happening in our country that caught my attention while visiting family just recently.... So I wrote a ramble one night while watching the first snow fall of the year and I thought I would taken time out from the funny sarcastic rambles to ask a few of my friends what they thought Christmas meant. Be it they don’t celebrate the holiday or if they did what did it mean to them. I feel we have lost sight of what it really means to exist this time of year.

Some spend their time with family and friends, some spend it alone, some go to church, some go to the neighborhood bar, and some sit home and listen to music reflecting back on the last year of their life then there are other’s who don’t have anywhere to go. Let’s not forget our troops over sea’s fighting to keep us safe in the land of the free! May you come home safe to your loved ones!

But have we gotten so commercialized from stores putting Christmas things out in August that we have forgotten the meaning of Christmas?

Oh don’t get me wrong I am the biggest Scrooge you will meet! I mean come on is it really about who can buy the biggest badassed gift there is for sale? I was asked last year what I wanted for Christmas by someone very special in my life, my answer was a dollar and happiness... (I am still waiting on that dollar and it better be signed, My Princess!) See happiness comes from within, and this is the time of year to celebrate your life, I mean hell we lived this long maybe we can make it another year. Only this time maybe we can bring a little happiness, peace, love and joy to others along the way!

This year everyone around me is armed with their “LIST” as they head off the day after Thanksgiving at FIVE in the morning to get the “Best Deals”. I was asked what was on my list this year. My reply was it changes with each TV commercial I see. My list changes daily, with the new PS2 games that are out to new shoes. But in all honesty what is Christmas to me?

Did you honestly think I’d tell you? What are you nuts? That’s too personal....WEFG....but I did ask a few of my friends and the writers on our list what Christmas means to them and here is what they had to say....Keep in mind as you read them, these people live all over this vast world we call Mother Earth, so each one celebrates something different or maybe, just maybe not at all, but they still have an opinion of what this time of year means to them and this is the one time of year we all need to stand together and accept one another for who we are! It’s the differences that make up the world. So with that being said here are a few friends who sent me back a reply, some you might be offended by their beliefs and some you may agree with it, but as you read keep in mind this is the right of being in the land of the free as well as the freedom of speech!!!! May you all have a Happy Holiday no matter what you believe, think or feel!

Wizzy

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Hey Wizzy,

To me Christmas only means one thing, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus the Christ. Otherwise, we would all be celebrating Chanukah or Yom Kippur. Not that I don't respect both of these other religions and what each one means to their believers and followers, But Christmas is really all about Christ.

Now I'm not so narrow that I don't know that a lot of the symbols of Christmas such as the tree and Yule log, originated in non Christian ideas. And having worked in retail I also know that The Christmas season is one of the most deadly. People kill over saving a quarter...but that's another story all together. However when I think about Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas, I think about the birth of Christ which led to His death and my salvation.

I am saddened that people feel the need to change Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays for one reason and one reason only. The people who make these decisions don't really care about the holiday one way or another; they just care about making money and not making waves. So instead of showing respect for different views or religions, they gloss everything over with a blanket and meaningless statement. I mean really, can’t you say Happy Holidays all year long? We have so many in the U.S. that the one statement can't be singled out in the month of December.

So to all my Jewish friends I wish them Happy Chanukah, to my Muslim friends, A Blessed Ramadan and to everyone else who either believes or simply acknowledges, Merry Christmas.

A. Hawk

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Christmas is the only time of the year when we all want to believe in something greater than ourselves. For some it is the religious observance, for others it is the renewed hope in fellow man, still for others it is the impossible wish the guy in the red suit exists. Me? I like to combine all three. The story of a desperate couple alone in the world with only their love to save their soon to be arriving child is what marriage, family is all about. Then there's the extras I get to share in with those around me like donating toys or food to make sure my neighbors do okay without interfering with their dignity. You know, there are a lot of families that only look for help at Christmas. It's nice to be able to do something for them without hurting their pride. Finally, when I sit under my tree with my dog, I can believe in the guy in the red suit still. He may not stop at my house anymore but I can still believe he's out there getting the job done for some kid just like me.


Does it get better than that?
Merry Merry and a happy whatever,

Mullaney / Phair

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Christmas is a special time of year to me as it reminds me of my grandmother and making cookies from around the world. She raised me and so not to have her here with us the past two years has been hard. The cookie recipes were from friends and family that she had collected from the beginning of the 1900's and as a little girl it was my special time with her to spend the day making many of these cookies which we then put into tins to deliver to neighbors and family. My oldest grandchild is five now and it is really important to her to be able to spend the day with my partner and I putting the decorations on our Xmas tree and beginning our own traditions. Overall this is a time to reflect and celebrate family for me and mine.
Thank you for asking

Jude

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Hello Wizz

Christmas, hmmm, let me see. Christmas always brings to my mind the tree, tinsel, warm colors, food, northern/western hemisphere traditions and weather, nativity and Christianity. Other than enjoying the food and the public holiday, I don’t celebrate the event, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy seeing everyone else partake in the frantic preparation for the big day.

There is a huge run on retail and tradition that is inherent in Christmas and other big time festivals. Everything from gift giving, slaving over the repast and pulling in the family, to the decorations, cards and costumes. Nearly all of which are pagan derived if you check. The marketing of Christmas is so successful that even countries that aren’t Christian by nature or wintry in December put up a tree and hang up shiny ornaments. Christmas Carols are as familiar as the tune of Happy Birthday is around the world. And that’s about as much as I am familiar with it.

I grew up watching all of that, wishing that I could be in the bosom of family that had such secure traditions, that I could, by association, be a part of a popular worldwide phenomena, that I could have as much fun for a reason in December.

Nowadays, I can see the separation between commerciality and the meaning of Christmas. There are many meanings for that Day; the one I chose for my Xmas is similar to the American Thanksgiving day. December 25th is close to the end of year, which makes it appropriate for me to look back and plan forward. I currently reside in my chosen non-native country very far away from my blood family. There are many things I still hope to achieve and some goals I have left in abeyance, some permanently. There have been many more surprises that I have received; whether created by my own hand or the hand of fate.

This year, like the last seven, Christmas/New Year is the time with my extended family here; we make an effort to come together for a feast. Just to catch up.

We rehash the same stories, talk about food non-stop as a safe topic, argue over half-baked ideas on current events, boast some, share some, eat lots. Reconnect.

When, or because, we are all away from our families, the one we have forged here becomes an important substitute for what we wish we could have. Distance isn’t the only thing that we have in common; we are all ‘different’ in some way; because of our sexuality, our skin color, our language or our jobs. What we do share is ethnicity, language, cuisine, the bonds of care, reminiscences of a slower life, and the migrant experience.

There is another festival coming soon, one that I grew up with but which is not a major deal in this country. To celebrate it, we actively seek out the trappings and for a few days, carry out the rituals associated with it. In a distant land, we hold our customs dearer.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Deepavali, Ramadhan, Wesak, Solstice or any day important to you, the message is the same. Take a moment to reflect, enjoy the present; cherish the good and forgive the bad, even if you cannot forget. Have fun, party, commemorate, break that diet, be pro-diversity, plan something different so you can look forward to the next year.

Wizz, my response to you at this time of year this year?
I am grateful for my friends; they are as much my family as the one I came from. I appreciate everyday I can spend with my partner because she is amazing. I am discovering and reassembling myself when interaction shows me something new or reaffirms something old. Most of all, I never forget that I am on a lone journey towards my own enlightenment, and that I’m very lucky to have company along the way.

Thanks for letting me do that little speech *G* I hope I didn’t sound like a right wanker lol

I wish everyone a warm/cool safe December, and better things to come in 2006.

Evecho

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Hi Wizzy,

What does Christmas Mean to Me?

Well, it's a Sharing of all things that's happened throughout the year with Family and Friends that take the time to Celebrate with you a Feast of several Family Members' Favorite Dishes, whether it's a Traditional Turkey with all the trimmings, Cranberry Sauce, Yams, Green Bean Casserole, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes and of course Giblet Gravy. Or it could be Tamales, Tacos, Green Chile Pork, Spanish rice, Refried Beans, Salsa and Guacamole. Or it could be Pork/Chicken Adobo, Steamed Rice, Baked Salmon, Apritada, Dinaguan and Lumpias. Oh, and Desserts, like Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie, Cheese Cake, Brownies, Butter Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Ice Cream.

It means being with the one you Love and re-celebrating all the "Special" times together, enjoying life and preparing for the New Year coming.

It means the Celebration of Christ in your Heart and what he/she has done for us throughout our lifetime.

It means taking the time to cheer someone up (homeless), who no longer has anyone to celebrate with and invite them to your home.

Mainly, it's to see the Smile on a Child's Face when she opens up a Special Gift from Grandma.

Carmen (Carmenkid)

P.S. Happy Holidays to you too. Take Care and God Bless!

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Hey girl,

Christmas- when I was a little girl it meant gifts, seeing Santa, good things to eat, and the best is being out of school for 2 weeks.
Now since I am older it means seeing family that you have not seen in awhile. Thankful that GOD lets me live in a free country. People are a lot more friendly at Christmas.

I learned it better to give than receive.

Christmas can change so many lives for the better, cause people will give more of themselves and there money to those who needs it.
So if they take Christmas out, and it just another holiday, there will be no hope, no joy, no forgiving, cause that what GOD gave us when he sent his son to us.

Hope this help,

Dot

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Hey Wizzbangaboo!

What does Christmas mean to me? Well for starters, the heat bill jumped up by almost 200 bucks more than it should've been. However, I am grateful. In that, my heat works this year. That was up in the air for a couple months. I had to take my boiler out back behind the shed, if'n ya know what I mean.

Christmas is... aside from the religious aspects, a time for family. It's the one time of the year that I can count on seeing them all. I know that I'll be home for Christmas! That in itself is a good thing. I like going out and looking at the lights. I'm prone to wandering neighborhoods, when it's not mandatory, just to scope out the sights. I used to go w/ Patty and drag the kids all over creation to visit Santa and see the different displays and drink hot cider from cheap paper cups.

One year, we worked on a light display at Memorial Park in the Bloomfield Rouge; we were having a night of Caroling. I spent nights after work, with Patty holding the lantern for me and running for coffee. Frozen completely to the bone and laughing,when the paint froze too. We were working on the booth we would use to pass out candles and hot chocolate to the carolers. I painted it up to look like a gingerbread house, with a picture window on the back side. There were toy soldier's standing guard on either side of the house near the smaller windows w/ candles in them. In the rear window, I painted a picture of someone's living room with a large fireplace and trimmed tree complete w/ present's underneath. A rocking chair w/ a cat sleeping next to it and on top of the mantle was a Christmas-mouse for my Patty poot. You see where, I'm going w/ this? Christmas is a time to reflect back on good times... Snowball fights and hot cocoa w/ my cousins. Last couple years, it's been easy on the egg and heavy on the nog...sans the snowball fights and ordering up a pizza from Guy's. But hey, it's family.

This year, I bah humbugged my way up til this past weekend. Losing two moms’ in the last five year's isn't exactly a happy thought. But, there it is. We lost Patty's mom last summer... 5 year's and almost to the minute, 5 hour's after my mom had passed. The same day, what are the chances of that?

They won't celebrate Christmas in the schools anymore. What is this world coming to? What irks me more than that is the fact that they won't let the Red-cross Santa's ring their bells outside of the Kmart stores anymore? What happened to giving? Where the Sam hell, is toys for tots this year? They can send million's of dollars and God knows, how many soldier's to protect someone else's country. So, while someone's kid is guarding a border in Uzbekistan, there are many here that are being overlooked. Maybe even their kids are being overlooked. It's heartbreaking really.

Christmas "is" for kids. The spirit shouldn't be lost on; gee this zillion dollar toy is the best new thing out there. Somewhere, something happened and Christmas became a business franchise, focusing on marketing instead of the birth of Christ and giving those you love, something from your heart. Even if it's a card. Even if it's a hug. That's what Christmas is. Letting the people you love know, that you're thinking of them.

Things that I still have every year, no matter what: I love the Sleigh bells and the Carols. Midnight mass, including the horrible incense they sling around beforehand, that'll make your eyes water. The music in general, especially the chimes. I have a bell arrangement that plays carols in different tones. It's uplifting, even when I spend my day all by myself. Something about hearing those just makes a heart happy. I still have my Dad! And a Christmas train set that the 85 year old dad plays with more than I do. Then of course, my Fraidy cat, who is my bestest girl... She's got her own ornament to attack at the bottom of the tree. It's a bird call. lol... I hope this helped ya in what you were looking for.
Merry Christmas Wizz to you and Shadybabe too

£óvê ñ kïššêš, Çhëërèõ§

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Dear Wizzy:

Hey, ol' buddy! Good to hear from you! Thought about your question re: what does Christmas mean to me? And thought I'd jot down a few notes. Here goes:

Christmas, to me, means love of family. Now, I know a lot of folks can only take their families in small doses. Not me. I love my family, what's left of us. We're all nuts in a most delightful way, and we always have a great time when we get together. Each and every one of us is goofy in a wonderfully unique manner, and when we all congregate, its fun.

We seem to bring cool friends and "significant others" home, too. With a few of us, they might change from year to year (I know, we sound like a bunch of 'ho's... ho, ho, ho, that's us) but whomever they are, they fall right into it, too.

I suspect that the winter solstice celebrations in ancient cultures were pretty much the same, too. Family, a warm fire, a little too much eggnog and lots of affection, nothing’s changed.

And lest I get too sappy, I got bum news... I had the chimney cleaned when I moved in here, and, um...

I found Santa. Hehehe...

D.J. Belt

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What is Christmas? For many it is a time of gift giving, partying, singing and sharing the spirit of the season. For others - the season is one of sorrow and despair. If we go by the strictest of religious meaning the season is a celebration of a child's birth. But for me it’s all about the cookies and milk.

Think about it - once a year a large group of bakers emerge in the quest of the perfect morsel to tempt the pallet. There are cookies of all kinds and descriptions along with a multitude of goodies containing chocolate. Each house you visit if filled with the aroma of fresh baked cookies begging to be eaten. Are you disappointed by the fare? Never! They are all made with lots of sugar, eggs, flour, butter and if you are really lucky rum or bourbon may be a chief ingredient. One might think they will gain lots of weight from the delightful taste sensations but fear not – if you break it in half all the calories disappear.

Why, you ask, do the bakers do this? Why is it that only at this time of the year do they venture into their kitchens and use a mixer and the oven? The answer is clear - they all want to make that one cookie that will make Santa smile in delight and then leave them all the gifts he neglected to leave in years past. Me, I'm still waiting for that pony.

Seasons Greetings,
Erin O'Rielly

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Christmas is a time when all the families that live in the US get together. We being Chinese just have to add the steamed fish, fried dumplings, soy sauce chicken, and whatnot. It means an extended period of time when we make nice with each other, even though my mother refuses to talk with her youngest sister and my grandmother is oblivious to the whole thing. It means babysitting for me, watching out for my little cousins. It means putting up with not so subtle remarks about men that my aunts know who would be interested in me. It means a week where I have to hide my sexual preferences. I have to leave my girlfriend to her own devices when I would rather be spending time with her. It means thousands of dollars that I've blown on gifts that the recipients will probably stick up on a shelf or in the back of their closets until spring cleaning.

But then, it also means that sense of family that's always around me family whenever we get together. It means touching base with my aunts that I only see this one time of the year. It means seeing the smile on my youngest cousin's face when she gets that toy she's really wanted. It means seeing that smile on Grandma’s face that seems to light up the whole room.

I quit going to church a while ago because I couldn't stand the elders that were so straight-laced. I wasn't comfortable going to church where they distain dating outside of the race. Imagine the field day they would have had with me. Christmas to them was about presents and the birth of Jesus and God and trying to sing hymns in Taiwanese.

I'm going back to church (not that one) this year and I hope that this isn't the case. I think that's what Christmas is about. Hope and family and love. No one can ever have too much of these. It just makes the arguments and the burnt dishes and the white lies worth the pain and hassle. The unconditional love and the sense of family that comes around this once a year is what it's all about.
Oh, that and the presents. Can't forget about that...LoL.....

Panther

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We celebrate Christmas over here. Just a little get-together with friends and family, a nice dinner, some talking, something like that. New Year is more popular here. We're also not religious, so we don't go to church. But I can understand people that do. I think all people should be free to choose whether or not they celebrate it, or how they celebrate it.

Greets,
Bacchus

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Well it seems like lately I have been becoming a Scrooge. Christmas is just not the same as it use to be, I think a lot of it has to do with the way people act today.

When I was younger Christmas was a magical time of the year. People use to wish you a Merry Christmas as they smiled at you. And they meant it. I remember walking down the streets of town and the music store here was playing Christmas music through a load speaker so you could hear it all over town. All the store windows where made up with Christmas stuff. You could walk through town on a nice snowing day and look at the store windows as you listened to the music. And have your smile returned as everyone is wishing each other Merry Christmas.

It is not that way anymore. You go to the store now and people just push you out of the way. It just seems like it is all about who can buy what anymore.

I still in a way believe Christmas is still a Magical time of the year when anything can happen. (G) Guess the kid in me has not grown up yet. LOL

Debbie Dee

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Well, since I don't celebrate Christmas, I'll tell you what this time of year means to me in general.

It's the New Year, and that says it all, when you think about it. There are many things to celebrate about a new year. First, you celebrate hope. A new year gives you hope and a chance to make things better in all aspects of your life. You hope that whatever didn’t turn out the way you wanted will find its rightful path, and that whatever you've been praying/wishing for, will come true. This new beginning allows you to tuck the past year aside, try to make amends and correct your mistakes, and look forward to the future and whatever it may bring.

Also, it gives you a chance to reflect, look back at the past year and ponder over what you've found you cherish the most. All you have to do is take all these things into account, place them safely in the warmest corner of your heart for later consideration, and
Enjoy the party!

BlueMoon Writer ;)

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You know....I have thought a lot about this since you asked.

I used to be like everyone else.......worrying about where the money was gonna come from to buy all the presents I thought I needed to buy.

But since I lost my husband.........that really isn't what I think about. I do think about all the good Christmas's we had.....and some of the bad ones. <bg> Like the year we had NO money.......NONE. That was one of our BEST.......cause we just enjoyed being together.....making cookies....decorating the tree...and being thankful that our family was healthy and all together.

Now I would give anything for him to be here with us.........to see his grandchildren........to just hold my hand.

So.....I guess what Christmas means to me is Love..........without that.........nothing means anything.

Hope this is what you wanted.

Deb (MamMaw)

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THIS IS FROM MY DEAREST BROTHER WHOS PISSED I MOVED SO FAR AWAY........I just hope our mother aint reading this....Heheheheheee.

“Christmas sucks with out my sister! So f@$k off!”

TopBearDaddy

PS... Brother ya know you an that Twinkie boy of yours could always come here for the Holidays!

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For me, it's the winter solstice.

THE HOLLY KING DEPOSED
By: Jaye Morgan

At winter solstice the Holly meets the Oak.
They grapple, war,
and as always, the Oak is victorious,
the Holly King deposed and dead.
The Oak rises as the divine child
and the cycle starts over.

One year at the solstice we went walking
and across the freshly-fallen snow
saw tracks that led to the hares
that cantered across the top of the field
where nothing came between ground & sky

& the berries on the holly were red
& where the wind had taken them
the snow was pocked with stains
like the blood of that battle.

It was a very pagan Christmas, the obvious festivities burned with the paper & the flames shone green and gold & red.

Jaye Morgan

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Hmm, well I guess I have my own way. I celebrate Hanukah, I have my menorah, and I have some cute Hanukah toys, I then put all my holiday cards around them. I watch my favorite Christmas movies which are White Christmas and Bell Book and Candle and Love Actually, My bewitch Christmas and the Hercules and Xena Christmas episodes.

On the first night of Hanukah I go to my folk’s house and exchange presents with my family and we watch my Dad's favorite version of A Christmas Carol with Alistair Simms.

I told you it was a bit strange.
Luv,
Ri the Bard

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C- Come all ye faithful
H- Holy night
R- Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.
I- It’s the most wonderful time of the year...
S- Santa Claus is coming to town.
T- The Little Drummer Boy
M- Mary, Did you know?
A- All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
S- Silver Bells

I love the music, laughter, lights, good-will, religious practices kicking in once more after a year of nothing, the food, office parties, cooler weather, slower pace, holiday TV specials (miracle on 34th street, Charlie Brown Christmas, many more), the candy, the smells of cooking, the gifts, the warmth, giving gifts, kids, pictures, animal reindeer antlers, stockings, tears, stars, wishes, early mornings, late nights, days off from work/school, family, friends, the stories written for Christmas contests!

JLNicky

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Christmas means to me
By Tap, the wizard.

The years have marched on since I helped my mother decorate the Christmas tree; she now helps me.
Even my daughters have grown up and moved on and now decorate their own trees in the comfort of their own homes.

I carefully look at each and every special decoration that has been given to me over the years. Hallmark ones of Disney characters, a snowy white owl, and Scrooge, just to name a few. Each one a memory of it's own and the special meaning behind the givers purpose.

The Christmas shopping, the insane crowds at the malls, but all worth the short temper, when you see the persons face light up with delight, and know you as always, manage to find the right gift.

The TV Christmas specials of Charlie Brown, White Christmas, Rudolph, and countless of others that each year you set back and watch, knowing each and every line and scene after so many years of watching the shows.

The feast of turkey, yams, veggies, and so much food on the table there isn't enough room for the guests. Yet we all find a corner, fill our plates and eat until our stomachs are ready to explode and wonder why we did it again and over ate, just like last year and the year before that.

And finally when the dishes are washed and put away, the guests have left to go home, and I am left in the quiet of my home......I quietly thank Santa and God for another Christmas with everyone healthy and happy, and pray that next Christmas will see us all together again, just as happy and healthy.

This Christmas sees us with a new member of the family:

Evan born in July! How wonderful for him to have his first Christmas and not even understand what is going on.

But next year......................

Tap, the wizard.

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Hey Wizzallovertheplace!

It's good to see your name in my inbox!
I've been SILENT for so long I have forgotten what I sound like these days.
Soooooooo
Maybe this little moment will allow me to remember what my voice sounds like as it is clicked and clacked across an email.

Christmas isn't a time of year when I sit down and think of the birth of a man 2000 years ago who performed amazing feats. It isn't a time of year when I sit down and inventory my loved ones and decided their worth via some gift I can't afford. It isn't a time of year for personal reflection. It is nothing more than one more moment, one more day, one more memory adding up to a collection of moments and memories that, at the end of my ability to roam insanely across this vast planet I will look over with fondness, with some sense of sorrow and with an overall (I hope) feeling of joy and love.

Christmas is a day. A day on a calendar when many rush to and from handing out brightly wrapped packages and beautifully printed cards proclaiming life, light, love and Jesus. It is a day that has over the years morphed into an entire season of rushing, shopping, spending, fretting, nail chewing, credit card over-drawn Wal-Mart beatings. What is there to celebrate in that?
It's a day.

There is to consider other aspects of this day. The lights, festive decorations, and over jolly fat folks running around in silly outfits mimicking a mythical philanthropist bring glee to small children and whimsical musings to some adults. The spirit of philanthropy can, I believe be brought out in even the poorest of us. For is giving not about sharing the abundance of our lives? Our hearts and minds, our connection to The Divine in each other and the Spirit of the Universe can be celebrated freely during this time. It is a shame that we have to designate a space on a calendar where we are willing to give what we could be giving each day of our lives.

And finally....

On December 23 1996 my mother died in a small run down shack in a highway town in the middle of know where in Utah. She was only 43. Her body and her soul and been wrecked by the effects of alcoholism. On that day she was free'd from the bondage of her addictions.

It was a haunting period of time for many years. Only last year did I find a place where I could let go of the darkness of that moment and look beyond my loss. And this miracle happened as a result of sharing this season with a woman who touches my mind, spirit and body in ways that no one ever has. The transformation from scrooge to over zealous gift-giving carol singing goofball happened because I chose to allow someone to show me that a season lasts forever in the eyes of love.

Ok!
Over the sentimentality!
Have a good day.
Oh and should you choose to toss this on the sight go ahead!

Kathlyn Parlet

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What Christmas means to me...

I thought about this for a few days and couldn't pin point a certain feeling for this Christmas. SO this is whatcha get.....

This year several things have happened... not all good. Someone very special died and is greatly missed. This woman filled a room with her presence and though she will not be here psychically with us. Her spirit is.

Then I have the happy things. My two boys nagging on me to open present early and wanting everything under the sun.

Being home for Christmas for the first time in over ten years. Seeing my newest nieces and nephew and seeing my Mom. Plus hoping that Illinois/Iowa doesn't get snow and ice on the days we are flying in and out of the airport.

I'm thankful for my best friend that I love and the fact that she could care less that I am an adorable dorkwad. Plus all my other friends who I love with out question.

In the New Year coming may peace find us all and happiness and love guide us to do great things.

T.Stratton

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Christmas: The birth of Christ Jesus. "Jesus is the reason for the season"! I don't think there's anything wrong with Santa Claus and celebrating with gift-giving. But I definitely think a lot of folks have lost sight of what the season truly represents. It's not about getting the biggest and best of gifts for someone; or about getting the biggest and best gifts yourself. It's about giving from the heart, as the gifts for Jesus were given.

I think the whole thing with the manger scene is sterilized today. Jesus wasn't born in the environment that is shown on Nativity scenes today. He was born in a manger. A manger is a feed bin for livestock, by definition. He was born in a feed bin! A dirty, rank old feed bin for cows or donkeys! Ewwwwww! It probably smelled bad, being out in the cold air, with livestock, in an old feed bin, with whatever hay was leftover for them to lie in. And Mary gave birth in all this mess. And what happened with the afterbirth? It had to have been really lovely to have that mess, and try to clean it up with cold well water, and clean the baby with the same and then wrap him in "swaddling clothes", meaning tightly bound cloths. Not exactly a sterile scene at all.

Just the fact that Mary had angels come to her to tell her she was about to give birth to the "Messiah", the one that all humanity has been waiting for! She was young, underage for nowadays standards. Someone would have been calling out to find the rapist for this "virgin" today, I'm sure. At first, Joseph didn't even believe her. He was a young carpenter himself. Then an angel appeared to Joseph and told him that the Messiah was going to be born and that he was to wed Mary. The world would have locked them both up today, thinking that "angels spoke to them". Joseph then had to take Mary to Bethlehem via a donkey....a DONKEY!! Can you imagine traveling many miles, riding on a donkey, while you are 9 months pregnant?!! They had to go to Bethlehem, because of a decree that all children had to be placed on the census there. And when they got there, the only place they could find to stay was the manger, because there was "no room at the inn". So, in the middle of winter, after riding many miles on a donkey, Mary had to lay down in a livestock feeder, to give birth to the Son of God! Okay, not a pretty sight really. Yet, when you think that, "God sent his only begotten Son, so that whosoever should believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life"! Wow!! His only Son! God's Son, born in the midst of this mess, with a label on his head from birth, King Herod wanted Him dead on the day of His birth. Live with that. Geez!

So, what does it mean to me? Hmmmmm......well, Jesus was born on that day. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to stand there in the midst of all that mess and see that baby and know that He was the One! To see the North Star shining, the Angels singing, and know He was the One! The magic of that moment is enough to bring a person to tears. It is more than the average person could ever imagine.

So, to think of "Christmas", is to think of the birth of Christ, for me. To think of all that Joseph and Mary went through to bring the baby Jesus to this world. To think that God sent this Gift of all Gifts to us! So, if we give gifts, they will never compare with what God sent as His Gift. So, I give whatever I can, and I give from the heart. And I love to see the happy faces of children, dreaming of what Santa Clause might bring, but I sure hope that they learn about this "ultimate gift" too!

Love ya honey!!
ME (Jayne)

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In regards to your question about the meaning of Christmas....

F#*K IT!
It should only be every other year and people would appreciate it more. If it weren't for the fact that it's essential to our economy I’d say why even do it when the "true" meaning is really no longer observed?

Although I don't believe in the biblical or religious meaning of Christmas I do believe in the spirit of it. You don't have to be a Christian or a believer in God to find good in people and "spirit". Everyone has their own beliefs and I respect each and every one of them. It doesn't mean I have to "believe" in what they do. And because I am open minded and respect others beliefs I don't need to put my" self righteous panties" in a bunch and try to take away from everyone’s joy of the season by making it so sterile.

Society is really pushing the politically correct envelope by shushing those who say "Merry Christmas" oohhhh I’m offended because I’m Jewish. Or "Happy Kwanza", holly shit did you just say that to me, I’m a Christian, how dare you. Get off your religious horses people.

Everyone’s religion or belief is correct and everyone needs to respect and understand the differences. That’s what makes us individual. Who wants to live in a world where we are ALL the same and believe in the same things? It’s a bad sci-fi movie waiting to happen. Not me. I don't ever want the world to be that way.

Therefore let me keep Christmas the way I want and like it and everyone can keep it respectfully the way they want it. Those who get so offended and have sooooo much to say about how Christmas should be conducted obviously have way more skeletons deeper in the closet than they'll ever own up to and they are hiding behind their "God" or religion because they are scared shitless of dying and going to hell for their sins yet they continue to commit them and ruin everything for everyone anyway. That’s it in a nutshell to me.

Oh, I’m sorry. Was I raving?? Opps! Don’t even get me started on the republicans!!!! That's another whole ball of wax.

ttfn

Love ya gobbs and bunches (hope that wasn't too much of an opinion!),

Tammy

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Christmas has always been a quiet time of year for me and my immediate family. It is a time of fellowship where we spend the day, all day, with one another, talking and just hanging out with each other.

For the last few years it was a time of helping out families that were unable to share the spirit of giving with their children due to circumstances out of their control. It has always been a time of giving more than receiving, to watch the pleasure cross someone's face over a token that has been received.

It is also a time of shared laughter while cooking and quiet naps after eating. It is a time of tinsel and bright lights when the world is generally dull and ordinary, a time for mankind to relax and share companionship instead of trying to out do one another. Yet it is a time of secrets, but pleasant ones, not meant to hurt anyone.

It is one day out of a long year where happiness should prevail and does within my own walls regardless of the chaos outside those walls.

Shadylady

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Wizzy -

The word "Christmas" occurs no where in the Bible. It is an old English word that means "Christ's Mass" which refers to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, i.e. the Mass. The earliest occurrence of the word on record is 1038 A.D. Christians at this time considered the Mass (Lord's Supper) to be the most important part of the celebration of Christ's birth, hence it came to be called Christmas. And the word Bethlehem means "House of Bread" - hence sharing of the feast of food (nourishment).

Wizzy - I do feel a spirit of adventure, not just for the current or the passing joys of Christmas but the thought of an eternal Christmas, a great story where, as C.S. Lewis put it at the end of the Chronicles of Narnia – “Every chapter will be better than the ones before....”

Christmas - what a unique word - Christians celebrate it, Jews don't - now wasn't Jesus born a Jew - funny...
Christmas to me - a time to share - a time to give (both of ones self and ones riches) - a time to be there for those in need - a time to share thoughts and feelings with loved ones - a time to just be - with no expectations except what we put on ourselves. A time spent with family and friends and those less fortunate. Usually either on Christmas morning or Christmas eve, I go down to the local soup kitchen, St. Vincent DePaul’s and help serve breakfast to those less fortunate or bring dinner or breakfast to the shut-in's - those with no one to share the day with. It is truly a deep seated feeling of one-ness with one's fellow man/woman.

To understand the knowledge that we as individuals are blessed, so very blessed, - we have a roof over our heads, a bed to sleep in, food on the table and someone to call a friend - where there are so many that don't - it is for this reason that I give thanks on Christmas day - above all other days.

Yes it has become materialist, yes it has become a money marketing scheme, yes it has become so many, many ugly words - as your scrooge would say, bah hum bug....But is it because of this that I find myself rising above all the materialism of the word / holiday and will continue to rise above it and remember the good that is still in and around the world that we live in - in its people, its actions and its deeds.

Christmas is a time to be spent with family, friends and loved one - a time to share - a time to give - and yes receive also....

For me, it is a time / season of love, peace, and yes charity to all instead of war - greed - corruption - materialism and hate.

A time to love and care for our fellow man/woman - friends, family and strangers alike!

It is also a time that I celebrate Christ's birth - do we actually know when He was born - nope - and do I care - nope - it is a time to remember a great man that died for us - He so gave himself that I might live - and do in the grace of Him. It is in this same feeling that I give of myself to others....

This is what Christmas is for me - a time of uniqueness - a time for smiles, laughter, love and happiness - for we are so blessed in all areas of life.
We have family - however frayed it may be
We have friends - scattered far and wide
We have loved ones - around us or far away
And we have a reason for living - tomorrow....

Wizzy - This is what Christmas is for me....

Your Wilma,
Annie....

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So you see if we all were the same wouldn’t it be very plain and boring? We as humans need to set aside harbored feelings for each other and remember this is one time of a year we need to love our brothers and our sisters. Last night I talked with a dear friend of mine, I did the one thing I never do I talked religion with her, and like she said, no matter what someone believes we all are here to succeed in life, cant we all accept each other the way we are and learn to live, love and LAUGH together?

This is the one time of year we need to show mankind that we are not selfish and uncaring people. It don’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual preferences and it don’t matter our religious beliefs. For we all have our own opinions and beliefs, that’s what makes the world go around does it not?

Its not about expensive gifts or fancy clothes, to me it’s about spending time with the ones you love, be it a lover or a lifetime partner, a husband or a wife, family or friends. It’s a time of year to do the traditions set before us by our families or to make new ones with a loved one. To make home-made decorations, to write hand written letters to the ones we love. It s a time to show how thankful you are to be alive and in good health and you have a home to call home and even more so we should be thankful we are not alone this time of year! To really let love be the music in your soul and let your heart shine like the North Star into the eyes of those family and friends!

Is this how I will spend my Holydays? Hell no... For you see, to me the above is how I hear from others how Christmas should be. I hope to never have to spend another Holiday alone again, that is my wish for all this time of year! But with one of my best friends (I will be missing one other best friend this year, Princess Buttercup), with my Wilma and my four dogs, we will laugh, cook and just be merry; we won’t have a moment of silence in my house this year! I am thankful for not only my friends and my kids, but for Wilma too! Because she is the one who gave me this idea for this ramble, your conversations as always Wilma are a deep soul searing challenge!

And to Andy, who has accepted me for who I am, who would think someone who is such a strong believer can take someone like me, who is far the opposite under her wing and show her other beliefs! Thank you my dear friend for showing me there is kindness out there! I miss you! (And the crew at ES02)

To the people above who took time out to answer my question about Christmas, thank you from the bottom of my heart! This is what this time of year is, for friends to gather and recall memories or thoughts and feelings. Thank you for being part of our site and making it what it is today!

To Shadylady for standing by me even when things were rotten, your support will never go unforgotten! May all your wishes come true this year and may we both find that happy place in life side by side laughing an joking the whole time!

As for our readers and writers as well I can only wish you all and wonderful Christmas and a Happy New year and never forget the meaning of Christmas and the Holidays are what’s in our hearts!

When I started this ramble I did not expect it to turn into the talk of a list I am on, but you learn this is what makes us all so unique as we all define words differently be it religions or beliefs.

So in closing this ramble, think back and remember your beliefs of what Christmas means to you! For it means something different to us all!

May peace fill your soul and happiness find you no matter who, where or what your beliefs are!
Happy Holidays!

Wizzy and the Sandbox Brats!

PS: This one came in at the last minute and I have to share it with you even though I mention her above, this is a woman I worked with, a woman who intimidated me at first. She is a strong believer and I am not. I took time to sneak over to her side of the store I worked at to get to know her, she gave me faith when I had none, and she gave me unconditional love when there was none. So to me it is a great honor to share with you her meaning of Christmas! And I can honestly say God Bless you Andy, thank you for being you and seeing me through rough times with love, laughter and most of all for believing in me!!!! Wizzy

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Ok my friend, here goes; I believe the word of God to be true, and through my encounter with Christ, Him to be real, and I anxiously wait for the Blessed Hope, His snatching away of His church, which since every prophecy has been fulfilled, could be at any moment. So for me what is the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas is my cake with Easter as the frosting. Christmas is for me a time to share with those I love, the precious people God has granted me to, in family and friendship some of what He has blessed me with.

All before thanksgiving the tree goes up, the manger is set, the outside is swaged with lights, and I shop. For my mediate family, I take the opportunity to build tradition, which will stay with them long after Wayne and I are gone. To share with them the bounty that we may have, but most important for me is to pass on the Godly heritage that my maternal grandmother gave me, her love for Jesus. For my friends, I pray my Christmas heart is year round, and that they know who my first love is, and how much God loves them.

Wizzy, you are welcome to post this, that's fine with me. I understand sadness this time of year; I lost my Grandmother, Father and Mother all in the month of December, different years. My sadness is contained in the knowledge that all three are with my Lord.

But I appreciate what you shared about our friendship, I told you before I believe it's a gift from God, and I'm glad we both cherish it. I miss you too and Love You.

Andy (I hope this makes sense, your the writer)

Feedback welcome: wizzy44tc@yahoo.com or