Christianity, I am beginning to realize, is a very broad term. So, in that case, sure--I can call myself a Christian. I won't go into my beliefs and such right now because since I left my church I've been in the process of re-evaluating what it is I believe.

This church isn't the only one I've been to that was corrupted. There have been others. My mother has been to several--of various religions.  I keep having to tell myself that there are still good Christians out there, really.  Every group of people is going to have its bad apples.  But there are good people out there that don't go to church (some because of the corruption) and who aren't "religious".  Then, there are people who are Christian and go to church but who don't want to be labeled as "religious".

 

~ I don't know where I fit into this. I've never been one for fitting in though, so I'm not worried. I embrace every part of my uniqueness. ~

 

Anyway, I don't celebrate Christmas. I haven't for years now. No, it isn't because Christmas is a "pagan" holiday. The two religious leaders who taught me that (one is that bad dude from my latest church) are the most corrupt, manipulative, power-greedy men I've ever met. I don't celebrate Christmas for personal reasons. I associate Christmas with (no snow for one & ) my mother's gloom because we couldn't afford some stupid Christmas tree, etc. Christmas was a big thing for her. The community she grew up with went all-out on the celebrating--programs, decorations, feasts, you name it.

To me, it's a time (one of those rare times) to visit family. In that way, I suppose I do celebrate Christmas--I celebrate it with (or for) them (you try being a stick in the mud with family at Christmas time--in my family, you'd probably get dunked into the toilet bowl or something). They give me gifts just like they do everyone else, and I do what I can to give back. (Don't tell, but I'm giving my favorite auntie a foot massager--she's on her feet a lot, and they're giving her trouble. Hmm, Christmas gift?) 

 

I am not offended if someone tells me Merry Christmas. "Happy Chanukkah too!" (mm, latkes... ) To me, happiness is more important (it's not like anyone has to celebrate Christmas or Chanukkah or whatever other holiday is around this season). After all, as Dennis Prager says, happy people make the world a better place (they're also generally healthier, have longer life, more friends, better relationships, closer to God, etc.). Speaking of D.P. (my other savior), I learned that an unhappy religious person is one of the most detrimental things to a religion. So, my religious (or just God-following) friends, go and BE HAPPY.

 

Oh, and...have a Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukkah! Have a great month!  

 

Just a little extra...

Your uniqueness makes you beautiful. Creativity and
originality is a rarity these days but you
still posses it. It is your imagination and
quirkiness that pulls people into your dreams
with you and attracts them.

What Makes You Beautiful?
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