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Before I get into my blog for the evening, let me announce one thing… I’m back. I have been working 10 hours of overtime at my job the past few weeks, and I just couldn’t find the time to blog. Well, I’m back, and there is an awful lot to discuss.

I find the holiday season an interesting one. It is a season of peace, love, joy, selflessness, and self persecution. What? Self persecution? What I mean by self persecution is that many people out there are claiming that Christmas is under attack, or that we are a Christian nation; and we need to say Merry Christmas, and not happy holidays. There are three things I would like to comment about this:

1) As a Catholic, I don’t mind people saying happy holidays. From the end of November, to the beginning of January, there are many different holidays that are celebrated by different cultures. Because of this; it only seems fitting to say “happy holidays” to someone that you don’t know that well. Choosing happy holidays over Merry Christmas isn’t political by any means, but respectful. Also, it doesn’t offend me because as a Catholic, the Christmas season doesn’t begin until 12/25; and ends with Epiphany in January; well after the holiday season.

2) Some people say that Christmas is coming under attack, or that it is too comercialized. Although I tend to hold the same views; I also acknowledge that Christmas is coming under attack if you choose to view it that way. Some people hold this view just because they want to feel persecuted; or that the meaning of the season is becoming secular. My opinion is that if you allow yourself to view it that way, then it is. My belief is this; for one month out of the year, almost everybody is putting themselves second. People are going to the crowded store to buy their loved one a special gift; or stay up until 2 AM with their child to watch for santa. It’s amazing how the season just feels different, and it’s refreshing to see people put others before themselves; regardless of religion.

3) Finally, recently there have been boycotts of companies that have decided to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” I work in a position where I work with customers on a daily basis. Everytime I talk to a customer, I don’t just represent myself, I also represent my company. At the end of every conversation; I say “Happy Holidays.” The reason for this is not because I don’t want to offend someone, but because I say this as a representative of my company; it isn’t just from me. I don’t feel that it’s my place to say “Merry Christmas” unless I am sure that they are Christian. Many store clerks also view it the same way; and if a store clerk wishes me “Happy Holidays,” I will look back at them and say “Merry Christmas” because I represent myself; not a company.

The Holidays are a special time. It is a time to where there is much joy, reflection, and sacrifice. We need to put the petty bickering aside, and enjoy the season for what it’s worth.

Happy 4th week of Advent (Christmas doesn’t begin until sunset on Wednesday).

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