@IronLemon Everyone on the planet is capable of hate and intolerance, even you.. And if that bothers you, maybe that's something you should work on..
@Ironman294 😅You chose to add a section in there talking about "not getting offended every 5 seconds"(paraphrased).
I'm not attacking anyone because that's not the person I am, but you should understand how that is blatantly poking fun at more sensitive individuals.
I really enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations etc, and the genuine happiness that it seems to bring a lot of folks. I get excited too thinking about giving gifts to loved ones who deserve it. I am not a Christian nor religious so that context is not a part of it for me. Hell I even have a couple friends who are satanists but they celebrate it for their kids because it's more fun for them, just put their own twists on it to keep in line more with their non christian beliefs. But I still enjoy it for what it is to me and how it makes me and those who celebrate it feel. I understand others dont necessarily always feel the same and thats fine by me, to each their own and what makes them happy.
@Beach50 Nice deflection.
@KuddlyKoala looks like that came true. But hey I’m have perspective blindness apparently.
@Ironman294
But I can’t do anything about it.
If you know something is offensive, you have the option to not say it.
The holidays are a great time for so many people, regardless of religion. Nowadays, because of capitalism, it's less of a religious holiday and more of a cultural celebration of gift-giving and helping the less fortunate.
Shelters, charities, and other organizations get more support. Homeless people are on the receiving end of more kindness and philanthropy. And since trans people were brought up, lgbtq+ holiday events occur where queer people are able to meet others in the community and give gifts to one another!
I haven't personally had great experiences during the holidays, but I love that a lot of people do and I try to contribute to that, so I still celebrate. I love getting gifts for children in foster care, finding homes for shelter animals, helping small businesses flourish. The holidays don't only benefit one type of person. It's overall net positive.
@Ironman294 Please be mindful that it came across as baiting and not in good faith.
@JoyfulHeart
Everyone is capable of hate, but let's not display it here, friends.
100%
Back to the original question from the OP,
Maybe write good memories you have from the holidays or else some plans to make new memories.
This is a bittersweet Christmas for me. My youngest is moving out right after Christmas and I am moving in January to take advantage of a once in a lifetime job opportunity. There are a lot of new memories to be made in 2025 but right now I am focused on cherishing the present.
@KuddlyKoala
And since trans people were brought up, lgbtq+ holiday events occur where queer people are able to meet others in the community and give gifts to one another!
Indeed! As I mentioned, I'm going to a Thanksgiving event at a trans cafe.
Although there's also a whole other kettle of worms there I won't get into.
@pmvines Going up to the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan is one of my favorite things to do every other year😊 The lights are absolutely gorgeous.
Not to mention ballets, plays, and musicals. People are normally in great moods because of the overall happy energy around. It's one of very few holidays we have in a year that there's a noticeable positive shift for nearly everyone.
And if you don't care about the actual holiday stuff, well, it boosts our economy!
@KuddlyKoala and your jab at me wasn’t exactly kind but oh well what can I do. Have a great Thanksgiving & Christmas regardless
@KuddlyKoala I did that one year, within a 48 hour time span went to Rockefeller to ice skate, saw the big tree, saw the Rockettes final performance of the year of Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, stood out in crowd at Today Show, and saw David Lettermans final show of the year with Christmas music and everything else. What a fun time that was for sure
@JohnR1972 good luck with the new opportunity!
@Ironman294 I'd love to know where the jab was, because there wasn't one. I didn't make fun of you, call you by any name, or insult you. Criticism isn't a jab!
@pmvines That sounds like an amazing experience! Jealous! I haven't been there in years, but I'm hoping to find someone to go with me this year. I saw the Nutcracker once, but I barely remember it. Also saw Frozen on Ice, which was super fun. Unfortunately, it doesn't get cold enough anymore for a lot of winter activities here. I miss building igloos and snowpeople.
@IronLemon what's a trans cafe? that sounds very interesting. If the cafe had an event on Christmas would you attend it ?
@Mike102 Ask me again on Friday.
My guess is it's an overtly trans-friendly place, with things like messages of welcome and acceptance, and unisex bathrooms. I was invited by a friend who lives near it.
As far as christmas, I haven't thought that far ahead. One thing at a time.
My memories of Christmas are that my parents always made an effort to get some gifts under the tree and a good meal on the table for me and my five siblings, even when things weren't so good. If my dad had been laid off at the holidays, they wouldn't tell us until after Christmas.
We can choose to find a positive thought or experience to bring a smile during the holidays. I can be creative with ideas and think outside of normal routine. It doesn’t have to cost $$ or involve family.
“ That christians are capable of hate and intolerance? It's disgusting that it's true, but not that I said it. And you never have to go far to see it. If that bothers you, maybe that's something you should be working on.”
Imagine if someone swapped out the word Christian with any other group, like transgender, black, Muslim, lesbian, Buddhist or Asian would this be tolerated? But anti-Christian remarks seems to be tolerated or maybe tolerated if some people write that. It’s a real shame that this is allowed.
@supadupa
I'm sorry if my experiences offend you. Though it's the ones who showed me only hate and intolerance you should be upset with.
And besides, as @Beach50 said, "Everyone on the planet is capable of hate and intolerance". No amount of whatabouts changes this.
No your insults, name calling and bigotry towards others is what offends me.
@supadupa If that offends you, then I know of a great deal of christians you would absolutely hate.
Unless you're the type of person who believes that no christian can ever do wrong.
Plus there has been no insults, name calling, or bigotry here. At least, not by me.
Maybe take this conversation to the haters thread ?
My business coach would tell us to "put it in the parking lot" meaning "let's stick with the original topic, and you can discuss this side topic later offline."
I love the holidays and the memories I have from growing up with my grandmother and cousins. Love the Christmas lights and decorations. But above all, love what Christmas represents!
I agree.
Yesterday, I received a box of beautiful Radko Christmas ornaments from my friend's mom, in memory of my best friend. Putting up her mammoth 16' tree was always a weekend affair! She directed placement of one entire bin of her favorite ornaments, many of which are now mine. Guess my tree is actually going up this year! 🌲
Multiple flags. Abusive language removed. -JoyfulHeart [Moderator]