How many of you say "Merry Christmas"

[judy]

Thanks Kate. The holidays are right around the corner. It's going to be 80 degrees today, so it's a little hard to believe.,

I just read this thread and I really hope none of this nonsense comes up again this year. I hate political correctness. I feel like it takes something away from us.

I was born Jewish, but got to celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah. I also know how to say Chanukah the right way! That Ch is supposed to sound kind of like your getting ready to spit. I think it's genetic and you need some Jewish genes to be able to do it right.

Why would I not wish somebody a Merry Christmas? And, on what planet is anyone, including a Jehovah's Witness, who doesn't want somebody to wish them happiness, even if they don't celebrate Christmas? Why would anybody of a different religion not enjoy a Christmas tree? What are they afraid of?

I live in a very religious Jewish neighborhood - not because I fit in - I don't practice Judaism - but I have a great apartment, it's a lovely neighborhood, very safe for NYC, my rent is reasonable, and I've lived here long before they did.

I actually like the young religious women. The men can be nice, but some of them are just too weird for my taste. They're not supposed to look at me because I definitely don't cover up. I find that to be so disgusting and demeaning. Other men have enough control over themselves, or they think about sex and keep it to themselves. Why can't they? Yuck!

I know my neighbors and many of the shopkeepers for years. We get along fine.
Part of it is that I just don't care that I'm different, so they don't.

I had some problems when I got Max because religious Jews don't keep pets. The kids were terrified, the moms still won't touch him, but some of the men actually run! Max is 8 pounds. I'm always tempted to tell them that if he does touch them, they'll instantly turn Christian, and then they'll die a hard and terrible death by crucifixion.

Children being children, they gradually started coming over to see "the doggie." I was very careful with him around them and he's a great dog. He just stands there calmly. I know he likes them. Well, over a period of a few months, the children got used to him and we all got very "proud" when one of them would touch him. We made a fuss over how brave they had become. Now, I'm like the Pied Piper when I walk them. They couldn't get over it when I got Gracie Leigh! She is a cutie.

It became fun and I enjoyed it and enjoyed getting to know the children. Even the young mothers love the dogs. They just weren't raised with animals.

But...a couple of months ago, a young mother told her child not to touch the "yucky" dog. Well - did she hear it from me! What a terrible thing to teach your children, and how dare you call me yucky, because that dog is mine.

Yesterday, I was walking them and two teenage, very religious boys passed me by. One said to the other, loud enough for me to hear, "Look at those disgusting dogs." Not a good idea - I said "Excuse me! They are not disgusting. You're disgusting chasehs (pigs in Yiddish). How dare you!"

So, I'm not politically correct, I have my own religion, I love God, I love Jesus, I love Mary, and I have a Buddhist alter in my house. I go to church when I feel like it.

I actually agree with Lissa and with Marilyn about all of the holidays. Their origins
aren't really about religion, but I just think Merry Christmas covers it all.

By the way, I'm a real Grinch. I hate Christmas. It's a shopping frenzy, has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ, and the music annoys me. I do love Santa though.

Okay, I'm finished rambling.

Merry Christmas!