Merry Christmas… and I mean that

 

Merry Christmas everyone. All the best of the holiday season to you and your family… and my hopes for a happy and healthy New Year.

But mostly… Merry Christmas.

I have alot of problems with the drive for correctness in the world. I am willing to admit, a good portion of my feelings stem from potentially misguided or far too personal thoughts and preferences. However, at the heart of all of my opinions is a very simple, very important little nugget of honesty… and we can use the Christmas spirit as a terrific example of that honesty.

My wishes are well-intended.

(Ok… I have some explaining to do. Before I start, please take your hands off the keyboard. Don’t get too close to the e-mail option… don’t be prepared to react immediately and strongly to what I’m about to say. Ok? Good. Here we go…)

The phrase “Merry Christmas” has, approximately, between zero and no religious meaning to me.

None at all.

The debate of history, and the primary focus of that history on religion… or why the date gained significance on, at least, the calendars of the American government, business world and educational system… is valid for exploring and understanding. However, whether the use of Christmas as the holiday… stress on THE holiday… is right, wrong, misguided, offensive, ignorant, insensitive or whatever else isn’t in any way, shape or form valid in comprehending my wishes when I say “Merry Christmas” to you.

I want you to consider something a bit off-center of the day. For instance, like it or not, there is plenty of debate as to whether or not the origins of Christmas have anything to do with Jesus. The government uses it as a reference point. Businesses use it as a date for closing doors. Schools have it on their calendar. And many upon many reasons the date has significance have no true religious elements involved.

Call me sappy… sentimental… naïve…

I believe that each of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of others. And I believe that power is based on positive actions. Efforts that are selfless. Desires that are, both by intentional definition and the lack of better phrasing, pure.

And to those beliefs I wish a Merry Christmas because I truly wish the best of these days. That you and your family are happy, healthy and safe. That these moments find you spending time and sharing experiences with those closest to you. That 2010 ends on a high note, 2011 is better than 2010, and 2012 may be better than 2011.

I wish a Merry Christmas because I truly believe we all can fulfill the promises of treating each other with kindness and compassion. That we can provide for those that cannot provide for themselves. That we can raise the standing of everyone by helping to lift the standing and comfort of others. That we can tear down meaningless boundaries and differences of separation to find strengths and accomplishments of unity.

I wish a Merry Christmas… Season’s Greetings… Happy Holidays… or whatever words pass my lips because I care about you. Not because of any specific reason such as a common calendar of events or holidays or whatever… but because you are special and unique and matter.

Yes… call me sappy… call me sentimental… call me naïve… and I welcome it all.

When I wish you a Merry Christmas I am wishing you the greatest of gifts that any man could offer to another… recognition that you are important and deserve respect. And at one time of the year we can all put aside differences and disagreements, and find a way to embrace peace and tolerance.

I don’t have to share a common element of any kind with you… I don’t have to desire to spend time with you… I don’t have to communicate with you… to honestly and sincerely hope that you are well.

Call me a fool for still believing in Santa Claus. Call me crazy for debating the merits of multi-colored lights versus single-color strands.

I understand.

On this holiday I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

I deliberately and proudly use those very words.

Not because December 25th does or does not have any special significance to you or to me. Not because you do or do not celebrate it. Not because you will or won’t be working.

I use those words because, for me, they characterize great intentions of mine for you, your family, and your loved ones.

I wish you a Merry Christmas… and a Happy New Year.

 

If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail me at Bob@inmybackpack.com