Merry Christmas/Yule/Winter Solstice!

Its so easy to judge. So easy to be angry and sensitive.

On the other side (I am refusing to go mainstream and say flip side) its also easy to be a doormat, hold everything in and try to make everyone happy.

And thus we return to the topic of balance in all aspects of life! This is a constant challenge and blogging actually helps me to spot it in my life. Sadly I generally don't see it right away but I am hoping that as I practice looking for ways in which I am out of balance I will come closer to living consciously, seeing the choices rather than just skipping along down the well worn path.

One of the issues that has cropped up with this holiday season has been the topic of religion/beliefs that surround the season. It should be simple, right? I believe we need to respect everyone's beliefs so I should be living that. And then I find posts like the one to the left. Ignorance at it's finest. And yes- there I go judging again!

Who are we, who is anyone, to shove their beliefs down another person's throat? Why is it so difficult to recognize that simply because we believe something then anyone who doesn't is wrong and we should aggressively tell them so? Initially I was just trying to quietly flow with my beliefs but as these posts began I found myself getting downright militant about not saying Christmas, not "liking" or commenting on anything someone said that involved that word and feeling a deep anger when I heard it. I knew my emotions were ugly but wasn't sure how I needed to deal with this new challenge.

It was at this time that I came across a blog that I wish I could reference here. I have searched many times but cannot find her again. She is of Wiccan belief and was writing about her difficulties with this very issue. She had also been raised in a Christian home but as she grew up, accepted the Wiccan faith. Initially she would feel a deep offense by all the Christmas decorations etc. because she had researched and knew that the origins of this holiday are Pagan.

For those who have not read up on this here and here and here will give you some starting places.

So going back to my mystery blogger, she realized that she did not want to be like the militant people who insist upon calling the season by a particular name. She was focusing on the differences and the ignorance rather than doing what she genuinely believed: accepting people where they are. Needless to say, this really hit home with me. I am not Wiccan but I do share some of their views- a major one being acceptance. The blogger was able to find humor in the whole situation because of the pure irony of the true origins versus the insistence to believe otherwise.

I love this meme by Nancy Eve Dalin. It is based on facts and backed up by scientific data. I know it isn't popular. Because 76% of the country believes one thing while only the 24% feel differently.

Personally I am working on just letting go. Letting go of the angers and hurts and embracing unity. My home will be celebrating the Winter Solstice. Not for religious reasons but rather because it is another opportunity to gather and create more memories. We will also celebrate Yule/Christmas/Xmas. For the same reasons. But I choose to recognize that my family's choices are not the same as everyone else's and if someone wants to say Merry Christmas I will be saying it right back, with a smile inside and out.