Well, I just don't know what that would be, actually, the spirit of Christmas. If those people, family or not, do not make the effort to stay in touch with me the rest of the year, I see no reason to want any contact from them on a made up holiday. If people change for the better for one month, as you said, then it's fake and temporary. They should treat the rest of humanity with the same respect and love every day, no matter what day it is. And the fact that Jesus was not born in December, nor were we ever asked to celebrate His birth, but only to honor His Death, Burial and Resurrection, sort of ruins it for me, too. The worst is seeing a church bringing in a fake Santa Claus, geez. Talk about inappropriate!
Sorry, I'm sure you'll think I'm a wet blanket at the very least, but you asked. I'd rather give gifts when I can, not when its dictated, and I dont wish for anyone else to give me gifts on Christmas, either. How about dropping me a line some other time during the year? Phone calls? Most of the things you spoke of loving about the holiday are the things I avoid-the rush, the people, the decorations, the overindulgent spending, the falsities, etc. So, nope, actually, it's my least favorite time of year. Everyone must be persuaded in their own mind and do what your own conscience dictates, though. For me, uh, nope. I try to avoid these types of posts most of the time so I'll bow out now.
