Pre-emptive Merry Xmas, lurkers.

[kandrathe]

The "spirit" of Christmas has almost nothing to do with JC, and more about giving. People want to call it an American holiday or a religious holiday, both for which a point can be argued, but I think it has really become a worldwide symbol for altruism and showing brotherly love to each other. If you don't like Christmas for religious or anti-American reasons, then you have are only deceiving yourself; and if you don't like Christmas because you don't like buying people presets, then bah-humbug to you .

I have many thoughts on this...

First, this is really the winter solstice, and usurping Dies Natalis of Sol Invictus. JC was probably born in late September (when the shepherds might actually be tending their flocks), probably nearer to the Feast of Tabernacles on September 29th.

Next, yes, the spirit of giving... But, usurped by commercialism, and conspicuous consumption. For most of my relatives (except the children), I began to opt to give a small functional gift, then also include a receipt in their name to Heifer Intl. or similar organization that will get the money to someone who really needs it.

Mostly, I enjoy the more Celtic and northern European pagan attributes... the mistletoe license to kiss... the yule log... the decorated cookies... the decorated evergreens to pay homage to the spirits of the forest... the dancing naked around a fire burning money... wait... I bet they don't do that everywhere...

So... Happy belated birthday JC.