happy holidays

[Christmas tree centerpiece]

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If you purchase a set of "holiday cookies," this is what it might look like: one can expect to see see green and red icing for Christmas, blue icing for Hannukah, and red, black & green for Kwanzaa. Are those still "holiday cookies" if the package has only green and red? Aren't those called "Christmas cookies?" Is there a problem with labeling them as Christmas cookies?

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What about these new "holiday trees" that I have been hearing about? They look an awful lot like Christmas trees to me. What's the diff? I don't get it.

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Is it because everything that somehow bears the name of Christ is of him or for him? Let us not kid ourselves. Jesus himself said that may will come to him on that day and say "Lord, Lord..." but to some, Jesus will say "depart from me... I never knew you." The Christmas holy day has become a secularized Christmas holiday. I do not see a need to make sure that the name of Christ is stripped away from rich, established tradition.

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So what if we DO see a radical transformation into *The Non-Denominational Secular Thing Buying Period? Shall I tell you what I want to do about it? I want to remember the significance of the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity. I want to be freshly awed by the many, many prophecies that were fulfilled in that one life. I want to connect the dots, and see the necessary relation between Christ's birth and his death and resurrection.

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Some churches will hold services on Christmas day, and some will not do that unless the 25th falls on a Sunday. My own church will have a shorter-than-usual service. (I am not sure how I feel about that.) The Christmas morning tradition in my family is that we do not open gifts until Dad (that's me) opens up the Bible and reads the account of the birth of Jesus. First things first.

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Bottom line? Do not let retailers, popular media or special interest groups dictate how you celebrate Christmas, and be picky about who gets the privilege of informing you about the same. Wise men still seek him.

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P.S. For any of you, who for whatever reason, do not celebrate Christmas... I still wish for you the very best. Let me offer a sincere and well-intentioned "happy holidays" to you and yours.

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* This clever phrase was not my own, but it comes from an article by Sam Biddle entitled The 7 Absolute Worst Tech Gifts to Give This Holiday.

capitol idea

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This photo was taken at a mall in Kentucky last week. There were no protesters in sight. Have you heard the debate in Wisconsin about what to call the 35-foot fir tree, displayed at the state capitol? It seems that people are offended whether it is called a "Christmas" tree or "holiday" tree.

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I dunno, people. It looks like a Christmas tree, with all the lights and decorations, and presents, and even a choo-choo that encircles it. By common definition, it's a Christmas tree.

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Does that make it religious? I don't think so. To most people, this symbol has everything to do with Santa Claus, and not the Messiah's birthday. Ergo: it is not really religious, despite the name.

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It all seems so wasteful to me. Are tax dollars paying for those discussions? Don't they have any real problems to solve? In my own opinion, the matter can instantly be settled by either party with just one word: "Whatever."

holiday eating

Turkey Pants!

My mother trained me to always eat everything off my plate. To this day, I chomp down every single grain of rice as if she could come in the door and check whether my plate is thoroughly cleaned. That, combined with age-related issues…

An aside: I’m not getting fat; I’m becoming more fuel-efficient!

Okay, where were we? Oh, I just can’t put away as much food as I used to. And it’s hard when you want to make sure Aunt Frannie sees how much you like the candied yams, or glazed ham, or biscuits, or whatever she brought to our gathering. Then, there’s the loooooong wait while the ladies scurry about the kitchen laboring intensively while we have to have either a remote control in our hands or some kind of food or beverage. What else is there? Talk?? Pah-leeeze! Talking is for ninnies! Gimme that remote and let’s pretend we can only communicate by grunting! What’s that?? Someone else already has the remote control? Aargh! What else is there to do but… eat. Oh, there’s all kinds of snacks, and if you’re nice, the iron chef competition might let you try a sample of what’s being prepared, but even if you have to grab a box of Alpha-Bits, get something! ‘Cause if you don’t, you will be forced into a conversation and man, that’s hard work! I’d almost rather be cooking!

If I could do whatever I wanted, I’d hibernate ‘till dinnertime. My wife only let me do that once, but it was great! We went to visit my parents, and Mrs. Craver stayed in one room chatting with my mom. They get along great; it’s so nice. Meanwhile, I went in the other room to be with my dad. There was a game on telelvision. We uttered the obligatory greetings and there may have been a comment about the weather or how the grass is growing, but our appreciation for each other grew by leaps and bounds, when he got comfy in his recliner and I kicked my feet up on the couch and soon we were both engrossed in a snoring competition. Aaaah, sweet fellowship. Mom and Mrs. Craver made fun of us, and thought we were silly, but that’s okay.

So, the holiday day rolls around and there’s all this munching going on, and Mrs. Craver won’t let me unbuckle my belt and get more comfortable in front of “company.” Whatever. But last week, I saw a scene from Friends, where Joey discovered that maternity pants make great turkey pants. Hmmm... why not? TURKEY PANTS!!! How excellent! I think I need to go shopping now. Later, folks. And don’t forget to give thanks to the Lord.