Saturday, December 24, 2005

Mommy and Me in Club 33! Aww...

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It's snowing! It's snowing... soap?

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That is one bright tree.

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That way... Fa la la la la la la la la...

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Can you guess where this picture was taken?

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Happy Holidays. It's what Jesus would say.

You know, for the past several years, it really hasn't felt like Christmas to me. This year is no exception. Maybe it's the fact that I'm working, or that I'm only going to be able to see my family for a few hours, really. I don't know. It's not horrible though. Sometimes these things happen. Next year's Christmas will be better. But for now, I'll just enjoy what I have.
Working on Christmas eve at the Scottish place isn't so bad. It's decorated, there are carrolers. Usually I get to eat, and it's Secret Santa day, so I'll get presents. At least we're closed Christmas Day. I gave my Secret Santa gift, yesterday, as my person won't be working tonight. She really liked it. I stayed up until 7:30am, yesterday, stitching a string of fake pearls to her stocking. It turned out really well, I should've taken a picture. I really like being crafty. I can't cook, but I sure can stitch up something sparkly! Some day, I'll have skinny, sparkly kids covered in felt. Maybe.
The title of this post is in reference to the faux controversy of "Merry Christmas" vs. Any other greeting. I personally believe it is a made-up ordeal, implemented by the news channels and designed to keep us distracted from more pressing matters, like corruption and homelessness and a bad economy. When the country is in conflict beyond your control, the time has come to turn on each other.
Because that's what it boils down to. When we say "Merry Christmas", it's supposed to be a happy thing. But when there is a group of people insisting that all that should be said is "Merry Christmas", it becomes excluding and totally misses the point of the season. All the times I've bought Christmas cards, they've said things like "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays", and no one ever complained to me when they received one. I always thought those phrases were pretty, and if other people didn't buy them, the card companies would stop printing them.
Many of my guests, when they leave, don't just wish me "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" (wishing someone "Season's Greetings" vocally just doesn't sound natural, so it doesn't happen), they wish it to me with emphasis. Other servers who wish their tables "Happy Holidays" have been corrected by theirs. It's all just silly to me.
Considering that some people celebrate Hanukkah, Ramadan (I think. Does it fall around this time, this year?) and we all celebrate New Years, what's wrong with saying "Happy Holidays"? Some people would point out that that is exactly what's wrong. To them, I say you are selfish and are heading in a direction I do not agree with. Again, I say you are missing the point of the season, which is to love your fellow man. That's what Jesus would want (as far as I can guess). It's what God would want, anyway. He did have Moses carve in stone "Love thy neighbor", after all. And besides, some Christians also celebrate other holidays around this time, such as Epiphany, so saying "Happy Holidays" should be entirely appropriate.
So, as I go out to join the work force, tonight, I would like to remind you to drive safe. Tip your waitresses (generously). Be polite to those who may not agree with you. And be extra kind to those who have to work, tomorrow, who otherwise would not. Especially if you take advantage of their services.
Season's greetings.