That said, here comes the gripe. I get very irritated when we use religion to be jerks. I dislike hearing Christians saying they are the one true and only way, with no room for anyone else. Now, not very many that I know will force their beliefs on someone else, but a few do. Please refrain. Then again, quite a few of the Pagans I know think that because they have been the persecuted in recent years that it is quite alright to trash and denigrate Christians. Sorry, I don't accept that either. If we are going to use bigotry and discrimination as a reason to retaliate in kind, we are never going to break the cycle. All belief systems have at one time or another faced persecution. Many still do. Don't think you are a better person because you think you have the right to tear down another. I won't even say it's childish, because quite frankly, children even act better than that.
I cannot even begin to list all the holidays and celebrations of this time of year. Yes, Christ is the reason for "Christmas," but then you have Hanukkah, Yule, Solstice, Kwanzaa, etc. Do not get mad if someone does not greet you or wish you in regards to your particular faith. If you do not extend the same in return, why should you be greeted so in the first place. On the other hand, people, quit throwing hissy fits when a community wishes to celebrate publicly the one(s) that they know. The responsible thing to do is suggest recognition of other paths. Not in the same display, mind you, but maybe in the same area.
We can all learn from each other's celebrations, each other's faiths. Shut up, be still, and listen. Quit throwing eggs in each other's faces. Be a good example for future generations. Honor your own, respect all others. Learn about them. You might just be surprised at how more alike we are than different.
Grow up...
