I think most of you reading this will understand, though possibly may not agree with, what I'm about to say.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Yep, I said that dreaded PC/non-PC phrase. And why shouldn't I? I've been saying it for far longer than the idea of being politically correct has existed. Why I say it goes back to fourth grade, when my class did a project studying different religions. We visited a Catholic church and a Buddhist temple. The other fourth grade classes visited other places of worship, and then we shared what we learned.
What is it about being nine and suddenly understanding in a big way that there are other people, with vastly different ideas and customs than your own in the world? That was the year I understood that while Christmas was what the majority of the people around me celebrated, there were still many of people right there in my community who celebrated other traditions. I made a conscious decision to recognize that fact by wishing people Happy Holidays as a way to acknowledge and respect others.
Twenty-five years later, I don't describe myself as being aligned with any one religion. Seems to me that most teachings include practical concepts for living a 'better' life, but very little about bigotry, narrow-mindedness and just being rude. I don't want to be boxed into any religion if it means I can't acknowledge all traditions with a non-denominational greeting.
And as for those people who have said to my face that I'm unpatriotic, anti-Christian, etc., the nine-year-old in my really just wants to stick out her tongue. I know better and I'm not going to let anyone take it away from me.
And now for a non-denominational, wintery scene of Riley playing in the snow.
