Something seemed to be missing from the holiday season this year and it took me a while to figure out exactly what. Then it hit me: unlike the past four or five years, the "War On Christmas" hysteria has been largely absent from the media this year. How refreshing!
Sure, Sen. John Kyl (Lunatic - AZ) bleated about having to work past Dec. 17, but it's pretty clear he was either just irritated at being expected to do his job or trying to block any real progress. A few minor dust-ups made brief news entries, but the full-blown O'Reilleyesque outrage and lunacy were mostly absent. Maybe it's because the Family Research Council was too busy trying to defend itself after being identified as a hate group to make a fuss. Maybe America was too stunned by a Senate that actually accomplished something to worry about holiday semantics. Whatever the reason for the low-vitriol season, it's certainly been nice to just relax and enjoy.
Some people use this time to celebrate religions traditions and beliefs they hold dear. Some find shopping for and giving the perfect gifts to be a delight while others bemoan the overcommercialism of the day. Some surround themselves with family of blood or choice and others take time for quiet, solitary reflection. Whether you celebrate a traditional winter holiday like Christmas or make up your own, it's nice to have time as the year draws to a close to find your own best celebration. Diversity of opinion is part of the tradition that makes our country vibrant. Diversity of celebration as we turn our thoughts to peace and caring can certainly do the same.
[cross-posted from The Solipsistic Me]