Do You Believe?

[The Rabbi]

Alas tis the time of year that the true meaning of commercialization comes to life and I have the overwhelming desire to Bellow loudly BAH HUMBUG. Sadly enough I believe in Santa Clause; no not the image the concept you know giving freely with no expectations. The best gift to give is to be the cause of a genuine smile next is that simple random act of kindness something as simple as running ahead so you can get to the door and open it for the elderly personn that was in front of you. (personal note) Beware automatic doors can prevent this and the opposite door can become hazardouse as it smack you out of left field. All to often that monetary concept creates havoc and confusion but this is suppose to be a magical time of year and what is more magical then the laughter of a child or the smile on an elderly persons face as they realize that they are not invisable and there are those that still respect them. it always proves difficult but I will try to keep the magic alive and I think this type of Christmas should be year round. I believe in Santa how about you?

[Merlin the Elder]

The commercialization that is XMas (and those who object, take note: X is a symbol for Christ), has completely ruined me from even looking forward to the season. All of the important aspects of the seasons (many faiths celebrate at different times in December) have been totally forgotten.

The simple acts of kindness you speak of should be an everyday occurrence, just as you say. We are naught but hypocrites if the only time we can be civil to others, kind to the unfortunate, and generous to the needy, is for a few days or weeks out of the year.

I would urge each and every one of us take pause the next time we walk past someone that is struggling with things, and stop and lend assistance. Sometimes all it takes to bring someone out of their pain is a simple smile. Be a Santa every day.

[groomporter]

      

[Anna Iram]

Yes, it's easy to be discouraged by the commercialism, but I think the winter holidays and for me in particular Christmas, should be celebrated joyously.  Yes we should give and care for others year round, but there is a special kind of magic that can happen when many people bring that kind of spirit forward all at once. That's what hapens on Christmas day. There is magic there if Christmas is kept well.    I believe.

[Rani Zemirah]

I believe in Santa Clause... and I try my best to keep it alive all year long.  It would be wonderful if everyone could feel the excitement and anticipation that this season engenders, and the upwelling of love for family and friends that makes us want to share what we have with them, bring smiles to their faces and see to the "comfort and joy" of our fellow beings, all year long... but the fact that it happens at all, even if only for a few short days or weeks a year, is such a miracle that there really SHOULD be a season for it, no matter what is being celebrated, or by whom. 

Yes... I believe. 

[Celtic Lady]

I, too, am a believer but disheartened by the commercialization of this joyous holiday season. I agree that we should practice kindness every single day not just this time of year. The magic of the Christmas holiday can be carried out year round if we only try to keep it going.
Blessings to all.

[Merlin the Elder]

Wasn't intending to come off so morose...

For all of those here on the forum that have befriended me these past few months, and for those that have not, I hope that the holiday season brings you peace happiness enough to last the entire year.

Nim and I will celebrate the Solstice with our son, then Christmas with the rest of the family, who don't believe as we do. Whatever your belief system is, we wish you the best...

[Anna Iram]

The happiest of holidays to you too Merlin.

[irish]

Santa Claus is an old belief, from years past and should always remain, in 'story'. I love seeing a child smile while talking to Santa and have their picture taken with him, even when they just stare in awe and end up crying on his lap....lol!
I have watched two old movies, over & over, that seem to have the 'meaning' of the holiday. "It's a Wonderful Life" and the "Bishop's Wife".  Another favorite is, "Charlie Brown Christmas".
We always 'adopt' a family or two, at the holiday. We provide food and small gifts, so they have a day to remember.
When asked by the Scouts and Postal Workers, we fill bags with food. The Marine Corp, always receives toys from us.
Religions and beliefs are so vast, but in the end, we all strive for Peace and Love, towards all.
I wish you all Peace and Love!
p/s...I do believe.....

[Lady Rebecca]

I got home from work today to find that my roommates had put up the Christmas tree, and the living room was covered with boxes of decorations. I don't mind the commercialization of Christmas, so much, but in almost all cases, I hate seeing Christmas before Thanksgiving!

[irish]

Well....I saw a house yesterday that still had 'ghosts' in the tree, a huge cobweb on the porch and a Santa blow up in the yard!  
Ghosts could be Christmas past, the cobweb could be from Scrooge's visit to the cemetery and the Santa was waiting on Thanksgiving. LOL!
I think when stores start their holiday decorations, at least wait until Halloween is over! WalMart near us, started before Halloween!  It is so commercial for any 'holiday'. Like people wont remember........lol!  

***edit!***  went to K-Mart today. they had 90% off Halloween among all the new Christmas things...... at least remove the Halloween stuff..lol!

[Butch]

I enjoy Christmas.  I like to perpetuate the belief in Santa Claus.  I actually play Santa at various functions if asked!  I get a big kick out of it!

My family and I don't decorate until after Thanksgiving.  We don't go all out; a tree and some garland inside, and some candy cane lights up the walkway outside.  Sometimes we put the Easter Bunny out!  (He's confused!)

We try to have fun, but still try to respect the season.

[Ferret]

Nim and I will celebrate the Solstice with our son, then Christmas with the rest of the family, who don't believe as we do. Whatever your belief system is, we wish you the best...

May the magic and happiness of this season be with your Family Merlin !
Ferret

[Rani Zemirah]

Nim and I will celebrate the Solstice with our son, then Christmas with the rest of the family, who don't believe as we do. Whatever your belief system is, we wish you the best...

May the magic and happiness of this season be with your Family Merlin !
Ferret

My daughter and I also celebrate Solstice, and then Christmas with our larger family, Chanukah with some friends from church, and maybe this year we'll celebrate Festivus and Sadeh (a Persian mid-winter feast to honor Fire and to "defeat the forces of darkness, frost and cold"), and at each gathering we enjoy the stories and observances of the holiday, the traditional foods and activities and learning about the different things celebrated by different cultures.  People have traditionally come together at this time of year to remind themselves and each other that the cold and dark can be kept at bay by the warmth and light of community, and that there is survival and prosperity in sharing what we have so that everyone has enough, and I think that's a wonderful reason to gather together and enjoy the spirit of the season, no matter what your own particular beliefs or traditions may be...

[VIII]

As someone who has played Santa on several occasions, there's a whole lot of love for you in a room full of 5-year-olds!