This is not gone for good, but you must choose to keep this as a Family tradition... My family sings Happy Birthday to Jesus before opening presents to remind us of why we have Christmas....

really DaleRay that is wonderful

Ahhh, speaking as a non-Christian living in a VERY Christian area (Bible Belt). I enjoy the spirit of Christmas (the joyful mood that you are supposed to be in) and the decorations (especially the Griswold Family Christmas type ones).

I am over the crowds in the stores and the contant Christmas music (most radio stations and on the muzak in the work bathroom). I live near a mall and traffic is horrid.

Also, I am over trying to understand the overdoing of it all, even Chanukah. What happened to the miracle of the oil? How did the temple's destruction turn into 8 nights of gift giving?

I do love any reason to get together with family and friends and just enjoy the company and togetherness of it all.

So, for those of us that do not celebrate Christmas, snuggle up with your loved ones, put a movie on and find a Chinese restaurant open tomorrow.

Hugs, M

As the years go by, Christmas "time" is dearer to me. My parents are living, Dad is 83 and Mom is 81. All 5 of us siblings are living and in relatively good health. We have an annual family party, with spouses, sig others, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We all bring a dish and have a lot of fun. The focus is on family. My daughter lives 2 hrs away with my grandchildren. This year her husband is in jail and waiting for a bond hearing since Sept. She is pregnant with her 3rd child. I am disabled and did not overspend on them. They are Jasmine-7yrs and Anthony-6yrs. They each got a book from me. A magnetic game, kinda like paper dolls and an artistic project to work on, and they were thrilled!
I feel blessed to have my family, imperfect as it may be. My Christmas present this year is having my daughter and grandchildren staying with me for 2 weeks in my 1 bedroom apartment. They have been pretty well behaved and they cuddle with me and love me, as I love them, unconditionally.
All of our family Christmas's together have been special, but, this year, as we all grow older and Dad is not so well, my Christmas miracle is the gift of family. I have a Nativity Scene made of Olive Wood and it was carved in Bethlehem. The grandchildren know the Christmas story and who Jesus is. I try to live this way year round and am grateful that they can spend this precious time with me now. Peace and joy to you all. Be blessed. Merry Christmas!

Christmas is exactly what you make it.
It is a Christian Holiday meant to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Or, for non-believers/atheists it is a time to get together and celebrate the spirit of giving.
Don't use the lame excuse that it's too commercial. If you think it's too commercial and can't possibly tolerate it, don't celebrate it! No one is forced to observe Christmas or any other holiday for that matter.
Hell, I just might celebrate Kwanza this year... You know why? Because I damn well feel like it.