Originally Posted By friendofdd In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' ~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
Originally Posted By vbdad55 it used to be a kinder- gentler world growing up not quite the CLeaver life style as portrayed on one of my favorite shows- but compared to today, not far off
Originally Posted By tashajilek "the atheists went to parties and drank" LOL. I hate how everyone has to say ( Happy Holidays) now!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I have a "Christian secret" to share: We go to parties and drink too. (And, guess what? I've run into some of my Jewish friends at those same parties!) Yep, we have more in common than we are sometimes willing to admit. I share this story every year. I formerly was responsible for a huge event where we had 20-25 Santa's drive up and down the streets in our community. Since it happened on Christmas Eve we had trouble getting volunteers. Ineveitably half of our Santa's would be Jews who found it a nice way to spend the evening. And yes, those Santa Jews would get into the spirit and say, "ho ho ho...Merry Christmas." Guess what? It didn't kill them and they actually enjoyed it. (The flask under the red jacket might have been a reason why though.)
Originally Posted By tashajilek Living in a VERY muliticultural city, i have found many other cultures love to celebrate our traditions too. Some Celebrate their holiday and also Christmas. "(The flask under the red jacket might have been a reason why though.)" LOL.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I wish that were a joke. We would often get calls from folks wondering why Santa had not come down their street yet. Often times it was because Santa got lit up and we need to scurry for a replacement. Or, Santa got invited into a home with a big party going on and we couldn't get him out. Oh, the joys of the special event business.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I have a "Christian secret" to share: We go to parties and drink too. (And, guess what? I've run into some of my Jewish friends at those same parties!) --------------- ain't that the truth ! Yes we go to Mass and celebrate what is to us the deeper meaning of Christmas and the season...but then we let loose like everyone else. My kids volunteer around the holidays to work with the less fortunate in various ways..and it matters not whether those recipients believe in Christmas or not. I don't want this to turn into a W/E thread but I think we would all be better off to recognize that some people celebrate their holidays very religiously and they should be respected for that- some just celebrate a season of giving and that crosses everyone and every denomination. A world that would be nicer and more tolerant to each other would be a great gift to all. I try to have respect for others and their beliefs- or non beliefs - a goal each holiday season.
Originally Posted By tashajilek "My kids volunteer around the holidays to work with the less fortunate in various ways..and it matters not whether those recipients believe in Christmas or not." Thats so true. I think most people dont really get what xmas is truely about. Everyone is so wrapped up into thinking it's only about how many presents you buy, and how much money you spend. You have great children vbdad. There should be more people like them willing to give back.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 thanks- at first like most kids they were not exactly entusiastic..but over time they actually look forward to it. We live in an affluent suburb of Chicago - and while I grew up poor in the inner city, they have never known another lifestyle, nor have most of their friends. A little perspective never hurts I think. you're right in that what amazes them is how appreciative people are for some things they take for granted.. and how far a little kindness goes
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^ also fortunate that my youngest attends a private (Catholic) college prep high school where they also ensure they 'get' Christmas. They have this contest every year called penny wars- and each class ( fresh thru senior) competes to bring in money, raise money etc. for less fortunate schools that are 'sister' schools in other parts of the area and one in South America. This year the kids raised $66K in 2 weeks of competition to share with these other schools. This is for a total student population of only 1300. They get to see on video what their generosity means..and they tell the kids this should not be parents money, but their own. They feel really good in the end..
Originally Posted By friendofdd For all those who "party" for the holidays, I want to wish you a very merry LOOK OUT FOR THE WALL!
