bms: You're bothered by the word "Christmas?" LOL. Oh my goodness! I was using it as a metaphor. Christmas and Christ himself are metaphors for goodness and light and love, which are pretty universal.

For some reason, I don't get offended easily. I haven't put anyone on "ignore" on any of the message boards, ever! And yet I have been the target of quite a bit of criticism and ridicule. I don't like it, but it doesn't bother me enough to place someone on "ignore." I guess I feel I just don't have to read posts from people that don't interest me.

Same thing with things in life that differ from my own beliefs. For some reason whenever I go on a plane I end up sitting next to someone from another country or religion or whatever, and I love talking with them and hearing their point of view.

Variety is the spice of life. Even if you don't believe in Christ per say, certainly you believe in the principles he stood for.....which is LOVE? All belief systems believe in that. I think that's all Christmas is really about. Why should anyone be offended by the celebration of love?