I have many friends who are more or less Christian. Some who are atheist or agnostic. Others who are Jewish. Quite a few Buddhists. Add a few Sikhs, Zoroastrians, and other religions.
Almost everyone celebrates a new beginning this time of year. A moment when the physical laws of a watery planet traveling through space and our human realm of thoughts, culture, and society all intersect and we exhale a grateful sigh of relief for the passing of the old year and hope to do better in the next year. Each of us does this in our own way.
This year I have made it a point to avoid saying “Happy Holidays” and instead say “Merry Christmas,” but not because I elevate Christmas over all other celebrations of the season.
I take great pleasure in Christmas. On the Waschke Homestead, this time of year, when the weather approaches its coldest and harshest in the northern hemisphere, Christmas was a season for visiting, bountiful shared meals, the best cakes, cookies, and, above all, expressions of how much we care for each other through the exchange of gifts and greetings.
I have resolved to wish the pleasures of the season that I know best, Christmas. I wish the pleasures of my experience to everyone and I hope that they will reciprocate and wish their pleasures back to me.
And so, to everyone, everywhere,
I wish you
MERRY CHRISTMAS.