December 12th ~ Merry Mazel tov Mubarak

Those of you who have peeked into my blog lately have probably seen the cartoon from my last post.

I have been feeling frustrated by the "You can't say Christmas" messages for years....but this year it's really getting to me.

This is the United States of America, for Godssakes. Opppps I said "god"....I meant for Christssakes. Shoot...that's worse. Uh.....for Oxygenssakes!! That should be safe.

We are supposed to be a melting pot. We are supposed to celebrate individual beliefs. We are supposed to be open to all. What the heck is wrong with being Christian?

I heard someone of the "Christmas isn't PC" ilk recently say that Christmas decorations looked too much like a "carnival."

Uh.
Ok.
So what?
It's a celebration! Does that same person stomp past carnivals complaining about the lights?

I don't want to "push Christmas" on anyone. It's simply a numbers thing. The ratio of Christians in this country is simply larger than the other religions. Who cares?

I'm not some Jerry Farwell following bible thumping far right wing conservative Republican. I'm a middle of the road registered Democrat who believes in freedom of religious expression.

A Menorah isn't just a bunch of candles.

The Muslim Hajj is not just a long walk.

Why can't we celebrate our differences....instead of pointing at them as though those differences are evil? I love learning about the beliefs of other people. I love understanding their ceremonies and celebrations. And I am always struck by the similarities in both Eastern and Western religions.

And you have the right to not believe any of it.

I feel so fortunate to live in a very diverse community...religiously....culturally. I wish everyone had the opportunity to get to know so many different groups of people.

I wish my Jewish friends "L'shana tova" at Rosh Hashanah.

I wish my Muslim friends "Eid Mubarak" at the end of Romandan.

And I wish all the citizens of this earth Peace....ongoing....and on all levels...always.

And, frankly, I think that the percentage of people who are offended by religious expression is pretty small.

But please do not tell me I can't have cake at my birthday party because you don't like frosting. Feel free to have whatever you want at your party...and I'd love an invitation to attend. I promise to be there to celebrate with you.

Merry Christmas