Each December, I learn that someone new in my life doesn’t like Christmas. The sad thing is that it seems like more of my Jewish friends like Jesus’ birthday than my Christian friends do.

That’s one of the queerest things on this planet! How can you hate Christmas?!

I often hear people say that money is a factor, and I know that any time money is involved that there will be some haters involved. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make Christmas special. I’d almost guarantee that all of us have someone on this planet who we love and/ or someone who loves us. Why not use Christmas as a chance for growth in that relationship? Ask them over for arts and crafts or to watch “The Christmas Story”. I’m sure every city has a station that re-runs it over and over all day long. I’d even encourage you to go out and volunteer at the local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you helped someone.

If those suggestions tickle your fancy, then I’m sure you can think of something! My point is that you can make your own traditions in the future no matter how bad previous Christmas holidays have been. Even my Jewish friends have Chinese food and go to the movies.

This Christmas, I challenge you to make an effort to have fun. If you can’t locate someone in your life whom you love or that loves you, then maybe a good start would be doing some self evaluation to figure out ways of changing that so next Christmas you aren’t alone.

Christmas is what you make it, and if you make it sad or somber; then that’s your own fault. That’s the decision you made, so I don’t know how you can expect anything more. Why not decide to enjoy this Christmas and make it one that will leave you with joy and fond memories? I sure am! Merry Christmas to all!