Dear Befuddled,
I usually spend Christmas with my Jewish friends.
We might see a movie. Most of the time, we go out for Chinese food.

It is better than going to visit a Christian family because if I am around someone celebrating Christmas I might get sad -- I don't like Christmas or miss it since I stopped celebrating it about 25 years ago but it might get to me to be close to others celebrating Christmas.

So I think Dec 25 will be Chinese Buffet day!

It's all very confusing because hubby was brought up Muslem and doesn't have any Christmas memories.

Anyway, I guess I am trying to say, that this can be a difficult time for many. But it doesn't have to be.

Christmas is Tuesday -- that's what someone on this board used to say. It doesn't have to be a day to feel sad. It is just another day.

Yeah, easier said than done.
I feel what you are saying -- even if I am too wordy.

Mari

ps
I will admit that I get sick of the crap that goes on forever with advertising on tv, the songs, the crap in the mall. I was out earlier in the week and saw the trees up in the mall. All of that can get annoying after another 8 weeks.

Some years I make a plan to do one thing that is important -- like go to a concert of kids singing Christmas songs, . . .

If I have a plan I feel like I can appreciate the time of year without feeling burned by it.

Thanks for putting up with my blabbering.