I just realized the affect my less-than-overjoyed comments about xmas have on my 15 yr old son, and that has made me stop to think about what I say. I realize I don't dislike xmas. I dislike the commercialization of it, but I need to focus on the positive so as not to ruin it for him.

I spend every holiday alone. It really doesn't bother me. I don't have anyone to share them with, so I don't get into the holiday spirit.

I feel lonelier during the holidays than other times of the year. I would welcome visitors stopping by. There are none for me. I agree simply "remembering " people in your thoughts is annoying, but I would love to receive those well wishes in person, and maybe a hug or two.

For the first time in my life, I will be spending time alone on xmas. I'm actually looking forward to it!

I'd prefer they just send money and let me figure out what to do with it.

as a jew i resent that no one says we have to remember all those who are spending chanukah alone (and i only mention chanukah because it falls within a month of christmas, sometimes closer, sometimes farther; it's not a major holiday on the jewish calendar). if i were alone (if it wasn't by choice) i doubt a christmas card would cheer me up!

g

Deep down you know the truth. 90% of the time an xtian offers prayers to make themselves feel better, not others.

I have Open House all day, with traditional feast foods, for members of my over-55 singles club. Some years I get 10, some years 1 or 2. We have a good time, eat, play cards, yak