a somewhat CHRISTmas rant.

I celebrate the holiday, Christmas, as the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a time to remember that He came and died for us so that we may live with Him forever in Heaven. However, due to Hallmark, among other media influences, Christmas has made its way into many other traditions that have nothing to do with Christ.

I understand that this is only probably in today's society. I also understand that the people who follow these traditions do not typically celebrate Christmas in the same manner. We all have different traditions, but I find that Christmas tends to be the holiday most mocked when it comes to traditions.

As a Christian who celebrates Christmas as Christ's birth, I do not try and shove this belief down the throats of others who do not believe or celebrate in this fashion. I respect other's religions (thanks, U of M) and do not put others down, or other's celebratory holidays because I do not believe in them. For this same reason, I do not appreciate others trying to make a mockery of the most important date in Christianity. I understand everyone is entitled to their opinions, as am I, and that the whole freedom of speech notion allows us to express this to anyone and everyone. At the same time, looking for trouble by immaturely posting mocking comments about things important to others, or making fun of things important to others, is not exactly a tactful and respectable way to go about expressing one's opinions.

All in all, the message is simple: treat others the way you would like to be treated. Poking fun, putting down, and ridiculing others is not a way to make friends, or keep them, especially on a matter so important. I know that this is not the last time this will happen, but I can say that I have never had it happen this often.

Whether Christmas is a time for Jesus' birth, family, friends, traditions, or just another day, please be respectful of others and their entitlement to freedom of religion or lack thereof.