Happy Holidays to You and You

I am amazed at the amount of people frothing at the mouth due to the expression "Happy Holidays". While it is true that the majority of America is Christian, let's not forget the other percentage that celebrate other holidays. As a child I celebrated three holidays in December.

Down here in the South, there is only one holiday in December and that is Christmas. Here we set up the tree, exchanged gifts, you know the routine. I was fortunate enough to have a Jewish Uncle by marriage, Uncle Danny. December visits from Uncle Danny meant presents almost everyday as he introduced me to Hanukkah. Not to be outdone by her husband, Aunt Clara and her friends taught me aspects of Kwanzaa. So I grew up celebrating multiple holidays. As I grew older, I met people that celebrated Winter Solstice and things like that. No they did not try to convert me, but I respected their holidays and they respected mine.

So my question is what is the big deal? Well, I can understand how Southerners would find it offensive since we haven't learned that there are other alternatives to Christianity yet. But what about the rest of the country? Have we all lost our minds?

Instead of focusing on what we should be calling the season, we should be focusing on the greater meaning. For me, it's a time of reflection. A time to appreciate those that are here with us, and honor those that have passed on. Time for me to improve my own Spirituality. This is when I (try) to let go of a year's worth of negativity and prepare myself for a fresh year.

With that I know I will probably offend some of you Christmas purists, but come on, I'll be typing all night if I try to list all the Holidays. So instead I wish you all

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!