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.