The Holidays are upon us.

 So we have made it to December 2021.  And I am sure that there will those who will take this opportunity to push a "politically correct" agenda by insisting "Happy Holidays" as the acceptable way to acknowledge this time of year.  It is suppose to encourage inclusiveness.  Personally, I think it does exactly the opposite.

There are many Faiths that celebrate a holiday in December, including Buddhists, Christians, Jewish, Wicca, Islam, and Zoroastrian.  Now we may all have various opinions of these Faiths.  Unfortunately politics have attached themselves to these various Faiths. I say unfortunately because God, however you understand Her/Him, has no place in politics.  Politics has no place in the Houses of Worship of the World.  

Most Faiths have a basic rule in common.  DON'T BE A DICK. Maybe, I am over simplifying this.  But if we can agree that our personal all Powerful Being is a loving one, the above guideline says it all. From the 10 Commandments to The Sermon on the Mount to the Beliefs of Islam to Teachings of Buddha and many more, they are all telling us to be a good person.  Can we agree that this is a great goal as a human being. (This would include atheist as well).

All that being said I move on to the various celebrations in December.  I say Merry Christmas to people because that is my personal celebration.  When saying this my intentions are loving and peaceful. If someone says that to me, it is the way I would accept it.  I would also accept a Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzza or a Good Mawlid el-Nabi in the same way.  I receive these the same way I say Merry Christmas, with love and peace.  Why would I take it any other way?

Maybe I am naïve. When someone says any of these words to me I smile and say "Thank You."  I believe that a person is wishing me happiness and joy. Why would I take offence to that, no matter to what holiday it is associated.  Why would I feel insulted because it is not "my holiday?"  Really? I certainly don't expect everyone to know my Faith on sight, just as I can't tell their Faith on sight.  If someone wishes a happy anything, I take this as an opportunity learn.  I have a chance to respectfully ask about their Faith and how they celebrate. That is inclusiveness.  

I have come to realize that assholeness is an equal opportunity disease.  Just like love is an equal opportunity cure.  "If you prick us, do we not bleed..." The Merchant of Venice.  "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo and Juliet.  Shakespeare had a way with words.  Both of these quotes say something to the fact that though we may different, we are the same in far more important ways.  As people, we all want joy, peace and love.  

As part of humanity I want this for all people.  I don't care what you call your God; I don't care about the colour of your skin; I don't care where you or your ancestors were born. Just don't be a dick.

So a belated Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Enjoy the Solstice! And Always a Joy and Peace to all.