#22. Tis a Jolly Christmas...This Year ?

It's Christmas-time in the city . . . and across the countryside . . . and throughout much of the civilized world (I think). For many, it's a magical time of year . . . every year. Numerous shoppers, however, are complaining that the traditional slogans of 'Merry Christmas' are being replaced by 'Happy Holidays'. Local city councils are voting on whether the colors green and red are to be tolerated on the courthouse lawn. Family get-togethers are now being planned -- or not planned (and they won't let me know which).

My unofficial gestament poll is that 23.6% of the U.S. citizens will focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas about 3.2% of the time, 64.9% will be caught up totally in the commercialization of it all, 7.3% will not decide until the 24th whether to participate this year, and 4.2% are undecided about the cause of all the hoopla.

What does this Christmas Season mean to you . . . at this stage of your life?

• Are you ecstatic or static about Christmas?
• Do you find yourself merely whelmed or over-whelmed by all the commotion?
• Are you saddened by the loss of a loved one?
• Or grateful for all the memories of a life-time friendship?
• Are you elated your beau surprised you with a ring?
• Or are you deflated cause your phone does not ring?

If you have nothing else to do before Christmas, make a comment. Really -- tell me a story. Let me know what Xmas -- sorry, Christmas -- means to you!