Right after Thanksgiving, I started getting this year's crop of "War on Christmas" emails from my conservative co-workers and associates, all lamenting the liberals' attempt to distort the "real meaning of Christmas." I suspect many other Kossacks are also on the receiving end of this trash. It always gets my ire up first thing in the morning when I check my mail - just when the "Obama is a Muslim" thing was dying down. Grrr.
A couple of years ago, I decided I was tired of letting these perhaps-well-meaning people get under my skin, so I worked up a positive response. Then I saved and used it several times that year. I keep in handy to click and reply easily.
Since I am NOT a fan of copied chain emails and since I try to keep as much anonymity as possible, I won't post my version, but it goes something like this:
You are absolutely right! Each year the Christmas season drifts farther and farther away from the true meaning. (Since I am Christian, I usually add "the love of God for mankind and the wish for Goodwill to All") Christmas has become entirely too focused on consumerism, garish light displays and searches for this year's "perfect gift."
In an effort to help our family celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, we always save up to make donations to our favorite charities. Yes, the kids get to make suggestions, too. Here is a list of some we hold close to our hearts:
[insert links to charities. I usually include Habitat for Humanity, utility assistance funds, homeless shelters, area food banks, Hospice, no-kill animal shelters, etc. Also a plug for sponsoring local needy children with a toy and some warm clothes. Our local organizations all have almost twice the regular number of families signed up for assistance, with far fewer donors this year.]
Doing what little we can really helps our family to remember the loving part of Christmas. If you like this idea, please feel free to add your own favorites and forward this to your friends and family.
[Again, being Christian, I end with:
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."]
I don't know if any of the recipients take it to heart, but it sure makes me feel better. Who knows, it might result in a few dollars for a good cause.
And I always smile when I hit "reply to all."
Cheers!