Winter Thoughts

Good Eventide to you all! I hope you are all keeping warm. It is snowing and frightfully cold here. I have taken Sir dog out and am now settled in with a nice cuppa. The choice for today is a mix of Pumpkin Spice and Ginger...with a little splash of something to warm me bones. There is nothing quite like tea in a pretty cup, I say! I believe I will try and make this a habit. After all, it is 4:30pm... which translates into tea time. Unfortunately I do not have any scones or biscuits to have with my tea. Perhaps tomorrow. 

We are 10 days away from Christmas. For most it is a festive time. All the wonderful decorations, visits with friends and family, and much more. But then, there are others, who are alone this time of year. It can be a terrible time. For them, it is looking at what they don't have, be it family or even a warm place to live. For others, it means painful memories of a time long passed. And still others, who fight addictions and mental illness. This time of year can be a real trigger. Add to that the cold weather, the snow, days of shorter sunshine and much more gloom. Holiday time has one of the highest rates of suicide and violence. 

I am the afore mentioned.. one who suffers from depression. Holidays have never been a favorite of mine. In a previous life, it meant stress and arguments and loneliness. In this life it means going without...without money, without friends and without family. The mister and I will not be participating in Christmas this year. 

However, for those of faith, particularly that of the Christian one, it is a time of joyous anticipation! The long journey of Joseph and Mary back to the village of Bethlehem as they await the birth of what will be our Savior. But, so many people seem to look past that. It's not about the gifts, the decorations, the parties.... it's about an anticipation of the future. My all time favorite story has always been Linus' soliloquy of the story of the "true" meaning of Christmas......

As you go about your shopping, your celebrating, your decorating, keep in mind those who are without. Perhaps say a little prayer. Or make a special ornament for your tree. Donate or volunteer your time at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Throw your pennies in the kettle for the Salvation Army. Light a candle at church. Whatever it is you choose to do, remember how blessed you are for all the things you have. And remember the reason WHY we celebrate Christmas.....

Some links for donation sites:

**for some reason they don't show up as active. However, if you copy and paste, you will be taken right to the site.

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/christmas-assistance

http://soldiersangels.org

http://toysfortots.org/default.aspx

http://www.coats-for-kids.org

 Sweater Controversy

Ok.... time for my rant on the latest "offense". This story got some real blasts from all kinds of people. Many complained that this was making fun of a serious mental illness. In my own personal opinion, I don't see it as such. I have several psychological disorders, one of which is OCD. I'm not offended by this sweater. I have a friend who decorates her entire house for Christmas. It looks like Santa's Wonderland. That sweater would be perfect for her!

I see a bunch of people who have nothing better to do with their lives than complain about SOMETHING!! Seriously, people need to STOP being so sensitive over every little thing. We have become a society of such "political correctness" that we have to watch every word and phrase that comes out of our mouth so we, heaven forbid, offend ANYONE. We want to make sure we are "all-inclusive". How did we become this way? How have we become such sensitive sots? 

There is always someone being offended. Well I'm offended that I have to make sure I don't offend someone else! I'm a Christian, and as such, I am offended that I am not allowed to wish people a Merry Christmas because then I am "forcing" my faith "down their throats". So, instead, I have to wish others a Happy Holiday so that I am sure to include EVERYONE and not offend someone else. 

Our governor (I'm in New York State) just signed a bill stating that children no longer have to say the Pledge of Allegiance because it mentions "..one nation, under God..." It seems that little phrase offends everyone who does not believe in God. But, wait a minute.... aren't there OTHER gods that people recognize as THEIR GOD? We aren't saying that we are one nation, under the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God... whatever your name for Him is... Allah, Vishnu, Jehovah... Even if you're atheist, agnostic, wicca.... there is still a name for your "higher power". 

In my humble opinion, those who are complaining about being offended are bringing unneeded attention to what their "difference" is. There is ALWAYS going to be someone offended by something. If we spend our lives always looking for something that offends us, we're going to become a most miserable lot. 

LEARN TO LAUGH AT YOURSELVES PEOPLE! Life is too short.

Hugs My Loves,
Agatha