There's a holiday slogan for the rest of us.Cashmere. Gee, vw, I was hoping your stomach would be better now.(Not as much as you, of course.)

That's what really sucks. You hate to stick it to them at Christmas to prove a point to your sister.

Stick it to her, nothing. The present is already bought, right? So she's not actually losing anything. Unless you count things like happiness that a loved one thought of you and wanted to get you something nice, and her mom's already taken that out of the picture anyway.

I seem to be getting bitchier as the day goes on. Funny how that happens.

Precisely twice as bitchy, apparently.

Also, while a kid might not see it that way (I'm sure I didin't), teaching the value of charitable giving is not a poke at the kid, but a good life lesson. My family were all pretty much horrible, but I did learn values from Easter Seal campaigns, the March of Dimes, MDA back yard carnivals, etc. I had one relative who donated to a wildlife org in my name because I love(d) animals. It felt good to know I was "saving the whales."

I identify as culturally christian.( I have no religious affiliation) My ideal day of celbration would be the solstic, because what I am doing with the winter holidays is prepareing to deal with months of cold that will end. It is a good energy vibe , strength, hope ,and love that I am looking for.

I live in an area where xmas is very secular and considered a fun thing to do by a large number of people that didn't celebrate it in thier own country. I think some of them find more joy in it than people than have been celebrating their whole lives.

on a personal level, I prefer Happy holidays. it keeps me from feeling awkward or like I need to explain something, or listen to an explanation.

Hate. My. Bad. Boss.

grrrrrrrrrr.......

If they're included in the bunch, rather than being first and foremost, they're being persecuted.

Uh huh.

The thing about this is, I'm sure there are probably very religious Jews out there who refuse to shop at places with specific Christmas decorations. Ditto hardcore anti-religious atheists. The AFA is the same breed of folks

No, they're a large lobby organization. There's a major difference between individuals making individual choices, and a group like the AFA soliciting boycotts from their members.

Well, smaller groups but not individuals. I've known plenty of Orthodox Jews with "we don't do/shop/whatever _____" (and this isn't just food) hot religious causes du jour.

Unrelated to Christmas or holidays in general.

DH was volunteered to drive 4 kids from the middle school to the county fairgrounds for the Science Fair. Son Brendon was one of the ones that went to county. So Brendon spent last evening cleaning out the van and getting his xbox set up for video games on the ride to and from since it is quite a drive from school. He was anticipating 3 of his buddies to play with and ended up getting 3 giggly girls. DH was totally charmed to have the sound of teenage girls filling the van. 2 of the girls did play games with him at least. DH is convinced that the girls are smitten with Brendon, but the lad's clueless. I'm sorry I missed it.

I have 2 out of my 3 holiday "things in jars" gifts decided, and am still wavering on the 3rd. Here are some of my ideas:

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I identify as culturally christian.

I seriously don't mean to start a kerfluffle or anything, but I'm curious -- what do you mean by that? I've heard the phrase before, and I don't understand it. Or rather, I don't understand how someone can be part of a faith culturally but not religiously. So, Beth (or anyone else) -- when you say that, what does it mean for you?

Hate. My. Bad. Boss.

Man, your boss needs a good smiting. And some plagues.