Yes, things change but the memories remain the same and I hope you enjoy yours. I guess one of the human challenges is how we adapt to change as each new year unfolds. My sincere best wishes for yours!

All important things that are unaffected by my good fortune to enjoy a few childhood memories and share the few dollars that I have left at the end of the year with others.

@LovinLarge the joy my mother shared with me wrapping all presents EXCEPT mine is so sacred she taught me above all to tell the truth NEVER LIE let me lick clean the cake batter cake frosting tools clean lick off food coloring of the seasons green red white .... chocolate was reserved for last my father's favorite black as coal from the mines where he drove mules in and out .... my linear memory is marked each year UNAFFECTED by the fact the numbers are fake back dated never celebrated as true until bibles were 1st printed 5 centuries ago

I get that. In my case, I actually don't think that I knew back then that Christmas had a religious connotation. I know that doesn't seem possible, but we lived in Canada at the time and Canada does not have the overwhelming level of religiousity that the US has. My parents were agnostic and religion was never mentioned in our household so I was one of the lucky ones.

The magic of Christmas for me pertains to feelings that arose in childhood when I still believed in magic and strictly to the exchange of goodwill. Peace and love to you!

@LovinLarge you now know.

@Mofo1953 Christmas does still not have a religious connotation for my family and me, nor do my cherished memories of it.

@LovinLarge memories, when faced with facts, should be revised in context. Something like the cherished memories of kids of slave owners who thought house slaves were "happy." Not doing so reflects an avoidance of the truth and of clear evidence.

@Mofo1953 Let's see your "clear evidence" of any role of religion in my childhood Christmases.

@LovinLarge i also said avoiding the truth, which I must assume you can now accept. But hey, if you don't, I don't really give a fuck.

@Mofo1953 It's awfully hard to take someone seriously who has the extremely poor judgment to even try to argue that there's something wrong with me enjoying my childhood memories from Christmas. How exactly does that fit in to your earlier claim that "all the days of our existence in this world should be spent spreading peace and love to all"? I guess that's a standard you impose on others but don't hold yourself to.

@LovinLarge when people deny the truth, it's unnerving. Brsides I never said I was perfect, if you learn how to properly read instead od bitch, you will realize I used the word "should" which is conditional. Enjoy your magic of denial.

@Mofo1953 You're properly unnerved because your argument is nonsensical. I can't change my childhood and although Christmas has a religious connotation, it never has for my family. Nothing is being denied except your ability to mount a cogent argument.

I have yet to see you contribute anything of value to any thread. Calling your wife your "housekeeper" was particularly offensive. You are unworthy of my time. Blocked.

Great picture, thank you! Funny how what came so naturally then we remember so fondly now. Even Uncle Wag's antics are entrenched in the joyful memories! Thank you very much for sharing and my very best wishes to you.

@LovinLarge He was a funny drunk and we were entertained. He ran a diaper service (phew).

@JackPedigo I love how he was accepted as part of the family despite his shortcomings. We all have our shortcomings, some just more apparent than others, but it doesn't change who your family is.

Yes, alone works for me, also, especially this year. SO glad you are enjoying your day! I also very much appreciate my relatives and hope that you will get to enjoy yours again soon. May the New Year smile kindly at you!

@LovinLarge, thanks. Happy New Year to you too. Let's hope it'll be better than this one about to finish.

Thank you and very best wishes to you, now and always.