PP,

Although you seem intent on preserving the internet BB tradition of misunderstanding, please try reading again. Slowly. Nowhere did I compare Christians to the Taliban. I employed the polite term “Christian Right (which is neither)” in place of what I usually refer to as “right wing religious whackos.” And yes, there is a legitimate comparison in that both are extremely intolerant of differing belief or opinion. Kind of like you seem to be, based on what I observe of you here. Can you accept a “live and let live” philosophy?

Aunty,

Thanks for the complement!, even if it isn’t true. And the example.

Grandpa,

Couldn’t agree with you more. I value the family holiday tradition, including the Christmas Eve midnight service. My biggest issue with the holiday season while I was raising my family was relegating the commercial ostentatiousness to a minor role, while accentuating the values of family tradition and service. Because Christmas is such a huge secular commercial event, I found that was always a hard balance to strike. My kids are adults now, living in the other Washington, so now the focus is on creating time to share together, and I like it a lot.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.