For my East Coast DU brothers and sisters who celebrate it, it's Christmas Eve...

[cherokeeprogressive]

I'd just like to take a moment to say Merry Christmas to those who do celebrate the holiday, and to those who don't, be patient. I would add for those that do; be understanding of those who don't celebrate Christmas, and treat them the same way you would your fellow celebrators. To the Christians who might read this I say celebrate the holiday without subjecting those who don't to any kind of bad feelings whatsoever.

Tomorrow and Saturday are days that for Christians should be days of Peace, Love, and Good Will (as should EVERY day but you get my point I hope). For those who don't celebrate, as I said, be patient because on Sunday, it will all be over for another year.

Personally, I celebrate the holiday, but not necessarily for religious reasons. For me it's a social thing. A time for gathering friends and family together and being thankful (not in a religious sense) for the opportunity to do so.

That brings me to my final point: There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who won't be able to celebrate this Christmas or spend the Holidays at home with their families because they're "serving their country" whether you agree with that phrase or not. Give a thought for them, if not a prayer. My wife and I have used anysoldier.com to send 25 packages. It really didn't cost much, because our Sons and Daughters, Brothers, Sisters, Nephews and Nieces don't really ask for much other than pieces of home. As a veteran, I know what it's like to spend Christmas away from your family and country.

If you can't do anything else, at least send those who can't be at home with their families a message at http://action.uso.org/action/sem-thank-you-holiday?sc=OM-gadw-g_Support-search_packages and make their day a little brighter.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Hell, Happy Friday or Saturday.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear cherokeeprogressive...

What an excellent thought...

I too celebrate the holiday as a spiritual time, and as a time for family and close friends...

We are social creatures, and these days serve to bring us together, to remind us of our bonds and connections...

Merry Christmas to you and yours...

Recommended.

:hug:

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Dearest Peg, Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

Saturday I'm roasting a duck for the first time. If it works out like I think it will, Roast Duck will be what gets served at Chris' house every Christmas in the future. I'm making a mushroom gravy from a recipe I found online, with my own modifications...

Merry Christmas Peg. If I had to pick a group of DU favorites, you'd be at the top of the list. You're one of the most understanding, most complimentary, and most even-handed posters I've traded posts with here at DU in my six years here.

Merry Holidays and Happy New Year to You.

You and people like you make this place the best site on the Internet and I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to trade posts.

(((Peggy)))

Oh I forgot to tell you how pretty you are! I saw your pic in the Lounge post and OOOH LA LA!

[phasma ex machina]

3. There's homeless kids that lack even a pillow to sleep on.

America desparately needs to find its soul again.

[cherokeeprogressive]

5. Yes it does. Hopefully some day it will.

Would that either one of us could make that happen. I'd venture a guess that if every one of us picked a battle, the war could be won.

There are billions of people on the planet that don't have what they should. With my limited resources, I do what I can as I'm sure you do was well.

[kimi]

4. Thanks for reminding us, and the links

I'm a Christian, and would not in my wildest dreams attempt to subject anyone who doesn't believe. Cause it's more than about belief in a higher power - it's about understanding and having good-will towards others.

I have family in Afghanistan this year, and we will not be doing our usual all-out Christmas present, huge feast, or big gathering. Not for any statement, just that it's easier that way emotionally. My boys miss their dad, who will not be celebrating with his family for the 2nd year in a row. (He and I are no longer close, but that's beside the point.)

This is such an emotional time of year. We need to think of each other.

Thank you also, for donating and caring.

:yourock:

[cherokeeprogressive]

7. It IS about understanding and having good will toward others. You're right about that.

Your family who is in Afghanistan will be in our prayers when we say Grace before eating dinner on Christmas Day, as will EVERYONE. I've been to holiday dinners where someone had to be cajoled into saying Grace. My family sometimes argues at the table over who gets the honor. Sometimes, God isn't even mentioned. Other times, we go around the table and everyone has to say at least one thing they're thankful for. Tears and laughter ensues almost every time.

Give your boys a (((Hug))) on Saturday and tell them that there are people here who will be thinking of them.

[Edweird]

6. I'm an atheist and I like christmas the secular holiday, not the religious one.

I like spending time with people I care about.

Easter, on the other hand, I have no use for.

[cherokeeprogressive]

8. Well then my wish for you is a Merry christmas, and hope that Easter disappears from your calendar

[Skip Intro]

9. MERRY CHRISTMAS, cherokeeprogressive! nt

[old mark]

10. Thank you, and I wish you and everyone here a happy holiday, no matter

what reason -or lack of reason-you choose. It's a great time of year for a holiday, seeing family and friends and enjoying a few great meals and parties.
Also a great time to help others if you are so inclined.

mark