I admit to feeling some temptation to go through the season without mentioning the C word; but I've decided I've finally outgrown the "do not put beans up your nose" stage.

I had this temptation, too.

I'm not offended by someone telling me "Merry Christmas." If someone Jewish who knows I'm Jewish says it to me, I might roll my eyes, and there have been certain days, usually after shopping all day, when I've just felt so overwhelmed by Christmassy stuff that any mention of it will feel annoying, but never offensive.

I seriously doubt anyone is offended by being wished a Merry Christmas.

No, I can totally see irritation, which means that I'm sure there are people actually offended.

The presumption of Christianity is a stifling one.

Oh, Billytea -- much strength to you.

We just had latkes, and now my father is out buying some jelly doughnuts. I love Chanukah foods.

Billytea - peace to your mother's memory.

t Searching the skies for Kwanzabot.

billytea: Living in your memory, that is all anyone can ask.

ION: Lurving erikaj this much!

David Simons (The Wire) is Dionysus trotting the earth.

The presumption of Christianity is a stifling one.

If ita was not otherwise scrumptious, this would be enough.

Oh! How could I forget? You taught me "punk-ass bitch" in German! It's perfect, huh? Both arc-y and profane, beautiful and ugly. Like life...you better believe I'll fight for that, bunk. "Dionysus" would be a perfect name for somebody's next package. But the cornerboys would make it sound funky, like Hamsterdam.

"Di-yho..."

"Checkit ... Whoyou callin' 'Yo'?

"I got yer 'Yo', swingin'."

"Dionysus, baby, we gots yo Dionysus, right here!"

erkiaj should write for The Wire.

IJS.

Oh! erika, I thought of you- "The Wire" made Entertainment Weekly's #1 show of 2004.