These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Seasonal thoughts

I posted this on FB and wasn't planning to post it here, because I simply don't have this problem here. So many on FB post things that "inspired" this, and I was just weary of it. In part, I don't like things that attempt to same us into conforming with the ideas of others, whether it is religious, political or whatever, I am my own person. I try to let others be their own persons, too; I'm sure I mess up from time to time, but I try to remember when I end and others begin.

Then, after thinking about it for a while, I decided to go ahead and post this here as well.


Folks, you can post your “it’s not Happy Holiday, it’s Merry Christmas” stuff as much as you want. I’ll still say Happy Holiday, and for a very good reason.

There are several good celebrations at this time of the year. Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa. I honor them all. I don’t remember the dates of them, so I don’t separate it out, announcing just the specific holiday at hand. And I don’t remember which of my friends follow which traditions, because it really doesn’t matter. I “Happy Holidays” everyone, period.

Besides, I think it is rather cool to celebrate with people over the good traditions and peaceful thoughts that accompany each holiday. I’ve been blessed to join parts of each tradition with friends from those cultures, and I find it heart warming to be included.

I guess one way to be sure we are saying the “right” holiday greeting to each person is that we should all wear something to identify which culture we are part of, but gee, that certainly smacks of armbands in WWII Era Germany. Besides, since I appreciate all of these  celebrations, I’d have to wear them all. I’d look really silly. And we all know I’m not silly.

So, forgive me my “Happy Holidays.” It’s because I love you, all of you, and I choose to embrace your cultures. I hope you can embrace mine.

With love and joy for all the holidays and all my friends,
Lyn

13 comments:

  1. I am in full agreement with you Lyn. Very well said indeed!
    Happy Holidays to you!

    Janine

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  2. I used to say Merry Christmas...even though I do not consider myself a Christian...but then I encountered people who were Jewish or Muslim and I reverted to Happy Holidays so that I would not offend/embarrass them or myself. Such a do about nothing when all we are doing is giving good wishes.

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    1. I know, it's sad that there has to be and stir about it. It is .... or should be .... all about the good wishes.

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  3. And a very Happy Holidays to you!

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    1. Right back atcha, Merikay! Let's just be happy, period!

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  4. Interesting. I'd thought replacing Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays was removing the spiritual tradition. I now see that it can also be broadening those traditions to include other faiths. Good idea!

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    1. Not only that, Linda, but "holiday" derives from "holy day." I simply like the idea of being reciprocal and kind about ALL of them!

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  5. I can't understand why folks get do bent out of shape on this issue. Live and let live!!!@

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  6. Right on, our diversity makes this country great!! Along with having interesting friends and neighbors. We have so much to learn from each other. Happy whatever!!!

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  7. Sorry about the typos in my comments! It is hard to type on a cell phone.

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  8. I'm new to your blog, and I couldn't agree more with your post.

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  9. Hi, Linda! Welcome, and thanks for the comment.

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!