In Search of Some Holiday Cheer

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.