Merry-Almost-Christmas Part I

Happy National Gazpacho Day!

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this 

year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

I am not sure whether or not this quote is actually by Stein, but regardless, I love it. I feel that many people in our country really don't feel intimidated by the holidays, traditions, and ceremonies that are practiced by other religions, and it is just the fear of insulting someone that is the true cause of the bullying religion is receiving.

That and the steady decline the world has faced in spirituality. 

Ignoring that, Merry-Almost-Christmas!

I happen to be super excited for this year, seeing as it is one of the last guaranteed times I will be celebrating at home.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

I want to have in my future home:

• Decorating the tree/house
• Baking several times each week and then delivering the goodies
• Everyone write letters to Santa
• Going on a drive and viewing Christmas lights
• Candlelight Christmas Eve Dinner
• Christmas day spent in pajamas
• Volunteering
• TONS of pictures

Hey.

So basically, I can't remember many of the ideas I had previously. I will just add some more when I can think clearly :)

xoxo

McCall

Happy National Gazpacho Day!

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this 

year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

I am not sure whether or not this quote is actually by Stein, but regardless, I love it. I feel that many people in our country really don't feel intimidated by the holidays, traditions, and ceremonies that are practiced by other religions, and it is just the fear of insulting someone that is the true cause of the bullying religion is receiving.

That and the steady decline the world has faced in spirituality. 

Ignoring that, Merry-Almost-Christmas!

I happen to be super excited for this year, seeing as it is one of the last guaranteed times I will be celebrating at home.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

I want to have in my future home:

• Decorating the tree/house
• Baking several times each week and then delivering the goodies
• Everyone write letters to Santa
• Going on a drive and viewing Christmas lights
• Candlelight Christmas Eve Dinner
• Christmas day spent in pajamas
• Volunteering
• TONS of pictures

Hey.

So basically, I can't remember many of the ideas I had previously. I will just add some more when I can think clearly :)

xoxo

McCall