What a mixed bag Christmas can be.

[kayakjohnny]

Some people thrilled, some dreadful. Some overwhelmed with others, some isolated and lonely.

The blend of spiritual meaning, and raw consumerism.

Of tradition and sentimentality, versus the whole superficial marketing component.

It's a full plate. It's different every year. It has various connotations as we age. It has become so many things, good and bad, for so many people.

Hard to make sense of it.

I still love it and I think it does a lot of good.

It's the one time when we can get a little closer to those we don't fully understand.

And them to us.

It's the time of year where I do feel the spirit of humanity.

Even if just for a moment.

[emilyg]

1. Merry Xmas to you.

[marzipanni]

2. Mmmhmm, has anyone ever made a movie

of Jesus, in modern disguise, coming to revisit earth on "his birthday", and wondering at, and being baffled by how we celebrate it?