Merry Christmas! And my 2 cents.

The Christmas Trees
Originally uploaded by Arnold Pouteau's

Christmas 08' has come and gone, and I hope everyone have had a joyful Christmas!

To me, Christmas is not all about religion. It's about togetherness - the feeling of being close to another person. Last week I watched an NBC news segment about Christmas. The host invited a priest and a rabbi to the show, and asked for their views on Christmas. The priest kept promoting Jesus (he did quite some on-air marketing), while the rabbi tried to avoid that topic and insisted that "the holiday" is for celebrating a year's end. Apparently, they disagreed on what Christmas means, and I think NBC was rather distasteful in airing that segment.

I also remember my former co-worker who would make a big deal every Christmas about not being hurtful to minorities like myself. He would go around the office and comment negatively on anyone who hangs Christmas decorations in the office, telling them it's hurtful to the minorities. And he'll make an extra effort to greet me "right". (During my tenure it always went like this,: "Joel, Merry Christmas! Uh, actually no. I take it back. Sorry HAPPY HOLIDAYS!").

I cannot judge on his intention, but the common sentiment among all (minorities and Christians) was - What a jerk. Intentions aside, I think he insulted me for thinking I'm silly enough to get emotional over a joyful Christmas greeting.

Ever since I have learned English at young age, I've been greeting people Merry Christmas. And I observe it just like any other holiday - Chinese New Year, MLK, Cinco de Mayo, etc.

To me, Christmas isn't all about exchanging gifts either. I know a handful of people who focus too much on gifts they give or receive. Especially on their monetary values. For me, it's the thought that counts - I will be as grateful receiving a pair of winter socks as receiving a watch. A Christmas song isn't bad either ;)

I hope everyone have truly appreciated the gifts they received this Christmas. If not, please at least appreciate one's presence to give you a gift, and/or to receive yours. I wish my paternal grandma can receive my Christmas gift too, but she's no longer around. At the end of the day, all you really need is for people, not gifts, to surround you.

To my special someone: When will you sing me a Christmas song?