IT’S TODAY: “”Dear children,[neWLine]

“”It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that
folks are taking my name out of the season. Maybe you’ve forgotten
that I wasn’t actually born during this time of the year and that
it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate my
birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I
do appreciate being remembered anytime.[neWLine]

“”How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be
most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with
children of your own.[neWLine]

“”I don’t care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate
my birth just, get along and love one another.[neWLine]

“”If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth
here is my wish list. Choose something from it.[neWLine]

* “”Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my
birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to
soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this
time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.[neWLine]

* “”Visit someone in a nursing home. You don’t have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about
them.[neWLine]

* “”Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on
the cards his staff sent out this year, why don’t you write and
tell him that you’ll be praying for him and his family this year.
Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you
again.[neWLine]

* “”Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can’t
afford and they don’t need, spend time with them. Tell them the
story of my birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold
them in your arms and remind them that I love them.[neWLine]

* “”Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him
or her.[neWLine]

* “”Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take
their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?
Since you don’t know who that person is, try giving everyone you
meet a warm smile it could make the difference.””[neWLine]

[neWLine]

MERRY CHRISTMAS: No, we didn’t write it. We stole it from the
Internet but hope it conveyed a bit about that “”true”” Christmas
spirit.