Just for the holidays

After today, this blog will be taking some time off from writing new entries for a few days until after the holidays.

I know, I can hear the weeping and wailing out there, the gnashing of teeth, the plaintive wails. But there's a lot to do and I am going to take time off from writing for a spell, and will use some reruns. Of course, if news breaks, I will fix it.

But as I slip out the side door carrying a cup of egg nog and some cookies, I wanted to share something with everyone, and that is this: it won't be a Merry Christmas for everyone.

In the first place, not everyone celebrates Christmas. There are people who just cannot handle the holidays at all, and we need to respect that - respect that falls way short of calling them "Ebenezer," if you will. Some people just don't participate, and that's cool.

Some people are not of the Christian faith and do not get into Christmas for that reason.  And even though I know Jews and Muslims and Hindus who happily sing "Jingle Bells" and get all Christmasy, many do not, by choice. 

I refuse to discuss the made-up War On Christmas. People exercising their right to celebrate as they darn well please is not a war.

But bear in mind, please, those who have lost dear loved ones since last year at this time.  Those of us who have lost beloved kin know the sting when the first (birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, whatever) rolls around and there's an empty chair.

It's just my suggestion, but instead of running out to Try 'N' Save to get a talking Billy Bigmouth Bass for Uncle Nutsy, why not spend that time calling someone you know who's had a loss this year, and sharing a little holiday love with them? 

You know they'd love it, even more than Nutsy would love that fish plaque.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, the best of everything to you and yours!