This Time of Year

I love this time of year: the joy, the generosity, the music, the special events and big get-togethers with family and friends.

But there are a few things I don’t like. One is mall traffic. Some people love the hustle and bustle of the crowds. If you are one of them, enjoy! You can have them! I do not go anywhere near the malls or large shopping areas during peak shopping times unless absolutely necessary. In fact, if I could avoid even the streets around them completely from Thanksgiving to about halfway through January, I would.

While we’re talking about buying things, the commercialism and “gimme” attitude irks me a bit. It shouldn’t be about buying the biggest, best, or newest of something. Whether it is store-bought, homemade, or a gift of your time, what you give should be a gift from the heart with the recipient in mind. I especially love seeing Angel Trees, Toys-for-Tots boxes, and people donating food and clothing to local food pantries and homeless shelters. These are signs of people giving to others who aren’t as fortunate – and that’s fantastic! Although some programs are seasonal, it would be great to see this same level of generosity all year long.

But the thing that bugs me the most is the whole concept of having to be “Politically Correct”. You’re supposed to say “Happy Holidays” because being more specific might offend someone. By the way, the word “holidays” comes from holy days. So by saying this you are still assuming the person is religious. Which may be why some prefer the even more generic “Season’s Greetings”.

Fair warning: I do not do PC.

I am a Christian and I will not apologize for that.

Don’t get me wrong. I do respect that other people have different religious views, and I do not intend to force my views on anyone else. Whatever holy day or days you may celebrate, if any, I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

But as for me, I’ll be saying “Merry Christmas!”

 

How about you? Do you love this season or hate it? And how will you be greeting folks?