Christmases in the USA

[xoxoxoBruce]

Christmases, plural, not multiple years but all at the same time.

First, the religious Christmas which is for Christians, of course.

Second, the secular Christmas, which is the yearly, sometimes only gathering of the family. The chance to catch up on the doings of the clan, (before facebook), and introduction of the younger generation's fearful boyfriends/girlfriends to Uncle Strange. Lots of food, gossip, drama, and football on TV. Aunt Helen always makes those toasted Pecans, and Grandma would make alligator soup (oyster stew) for supper.

Third, the commercial Christmas, which is for everyone. Except a few anti-commercialism hippies but they're just un-American. Most everyone participates to the best of their ability, in the whole give/get/exchange holiday bustle. For the very young, it's just awesome to have so many new boxes to play with, plus you never know when you pick one up if a cat will appear. For the older kids loot to tally and compare with their friends. New labor saving appliances for the little woman, and socks/underwear,ties,VISA bills for Pop.

Most of the Christians I've know, only spend enough of the holiday on the religious aspect to satisfy family tradition and Grandma. The secular gathering seems to be split between eager anticipation and dread, depending on age and place in the family pecking order, I suppose. The commercial thing gets more difficult as people get older. It takes imagination to come up with something for people that have what they want, and don't need more. For one girl, I put money on her account at the vet, because she has five dogs, several birds and some rodents. She made a donation in my name to neads.org, a group that trains rescued dogs to be Service Dogs. Great, I don't have to dust that.

And for the people offended by calling it Christmas rather than winter holiday or some other politically correct term.
Get over it, it's Christmas.