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Christmasy

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Clarissa

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I’m feeling very Christmasy, people. I’ve got a new little nephew, my colleagues are all great people and even the HR is coming through for me in a very helpful way, I just received a 800-page book that I really want to read, and I finally came up with an idea for the conclusion of the last chapter of my book. 

I did some really good work today, so I can now lie in front of the fireplace and wait for my pheasants to defrost. (This last phrase sounds very funny to me, especially given my origins.) 

19 responses to “Christmasy”

  1. danmillerinpanama Avatar
    danmillerinpanama

    Be sure not to wish anyone “Merry Christmas,” because that’s insufficiently inclusive. Instead, wish everyone “Happy Federal Holiday.”

    At least that the advice from a political “science” professor at the University of Central Florida, who wrote about A Holiday Greeting that Applies to Everyone.

    In our efforts to be inclusive, we show cultural insensitivity both by equating one major holiday [Christmas] with a minor holiday [Chanukah] and failing to recognize that diversity includes those who celebrate neither holiday.

    . . . .

    My friends and I wish each other a “Happy Federal Holiday.”

    Happy Federal what? Because the U.S. government in some cases and the state government in others have identified certain days during the year as state and federal holidays, including those that fall during the late fall and winter season – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day –we have no choice but to observe these holidays whether we want to or not.

    Most everyone is included and no one is excluded no matter their religious beliefs or practices.

    Sadly, I’m stuck in my ways and (although I’m an Agnostic] still wish people “Merry Christmas” — whether they like it or not. Nobody has objected yet, but . . . .

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    1. Dreidel Avatar
      Dreidel

      Somebody should inform the professor that Hanukkah is over — it ended well over a week ago, on the night of December 14th.

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      1. Clarissa Avatar
        Clarissa

        We are not that kind of Jewish people. 🙂 We are ethnic Jews who are Christians. Like Jesus. 🙂

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        1. Dreidel Avatar
          Dreidel

          My comment was addressed to the “science” professor who can’t read a calendar and seems to think that Christmas and Hanukkah occur simultaneously every year.

          I’m not Jewish at all, and there’s no such thing as an ethnic ex-Protestant — but I’ll celebrate any holiday where you can drink good wine and eat lots of delicious food. 🙂

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          1. danmillerinpanama Avatar
            danmillerinpanama

            “I’ll celebrate any holiday where you can drink good wine and eat lots of delicious food.”

            Amen. However, that’s pretty non-inclusive because fundamentalist Muslims are not permitted to drink wine. However, there is an alternative.

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      2. cliff arroyo Avatar
        cliff arroyo

        It’s also understanding that everywhere else in the world Hanukkah is kind of a minor Jewish holiday, but because it happens close to Christmas it’s importance is exaggerated in NAmerica.

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    2. Clarissa Avatar
      Clarissa

      I can just imagine what kind of ass I will make of myself by wishing people “Happy Federal Holiday.” 🙂

      There are so many weird people in the world.

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      1. Dreidel Avatar
        Dreidel

        Did you know that the U.S. federal government (and that includes the active-duty military) has MORE paid legal holidays each year than ANY state government or private business?

        Call them whatever you want — they’re all paid days off for government employees!

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        1. Clarissa Avatar
          Clarissa

          I would not trust a federal government that didn’t use any opportunity to do nothing. What kind of a weirdo government would that be? 🙂

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      2. danmillerinpanama Avatar
        danmillerinpanama

        Like

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  2. Shakti Avatar
    Shakti

    I just received a 800-page book that I really want to read
    I know you are a fan of lengthy tomes. What is this mystery 800 page book? Now if only you had some snow. 🙂

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    1. Clarissa Avatar
      Clarissa

      It’s by my favorite Spanish journalist and has all the juicy gossip on Spain’s writers and academics.

      Instead of snow, we get 70F and a tornado.

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      1. Shakti Avatar
        Shakti

        It’s 76 degrees here, dry, and if it snows here it will be a state emergency. My neighbors compensate by having an enormous flashing light display from which Manheim Steamroller plays.

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  3. michelinewalker Avatar
    michelinewalker

    Correct or incorrect, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

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  4. Editor (Retired) Avatar
    Editor (Retired)

    We all need to take more breaks from the serious stuff, sit back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures. Happily ignoring political correctness, I wish to one and all a Merry Christmas! Enjoy! Imagine peace on earth.

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  5. Dreidel Avatar
    Dreidel

    Well, lightning didn’t strike me when I typed “Happy Hanukkah” on this website two week ago, so I’ll probably survive wishing “Merry Christmas” now to everyone who manages to tolerate me in this community.

    Also, “Happy Kwansaa” to any celebrants to might be present (runs from 26 December to New Year’s Day, with lots of celebration and good food along the way).

    Now it’s bed time in the strange Arizona landscape, with the full moon a mere two nights away and casting shadows before, so I’ll just add, “Goodnight to all, and to all a good night!” See you in the morning! 🙂

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  6. cliff arroyo Avatar
    cliff arroyo

    З Різдвом Христовим!

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  7. Shakti Avatar
    Shakti

    Fleeting Wonders 400 Glow in the Dark Reindeer

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    1. Clarissa Avatar
      Clarissa

      What a brilliant idea! It’s only because I drive very slowly that I managed to avoid hitting a young deer last week. The poor thing jumped out into the highway and just stood there, right in front of my car.

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A conservative literary critic and college professor

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