"In a novel, if you're any good, you don't just have good people or bad people. You have complicated people. You have real people." - Salman Rushdie Spending time with friends and family this holiday season has me thinking about the people in my life. In a tangible way, this includes everyone here at WF.org. I speak at length about the writing, opinions and even the debates I have here with my wife and friends. Even though we don't agree on everything and we may be as different as possible, I know you are all good people and I consider you all my friends. So, because I can't give you physical gifts, I wanted to share how awesome you all are. @Lemex - Dude. You and I have had some great conversations and even though we differ on religious issues, I think you are an outstanding person and I have the utmost respect for you. @erebh - It's hit or miss with us but we always manage to wind up on common ground and I appreciate your vitality and I consider you a brother in the fraternity of fatherhood. @Wreybies - It is an amazing thing when two people can get to know each other as a person instead of a label and I cherish our conversations and wouldn't hesitate to hang out with you, preferably where you are because it's cold here. You're a great mod. @Cogito - Nobody beats your sharp wit when it comes to humorous one-liners and even though we don't have the smoothest history, I love the fact that you don't pull your punches and you are never afraid to speak your mind. @Lewdog - If I would label anyone here as one of a kind, you would be it. @thirdwind - You're writing always delivers in a thought-out, airtight manner and I know when I read your posts that I will be impressed with your structure any diligence. @Duchess-Yukine-Suoh - You are by far the most mature writer I have ever met for your age. Your grammar, punctuation and understanding of structure rivals most forty year olds I know. You have a giving heart and a kindness that is refreshing. @minstrel - You are a fair and even-handed moderator and I know I can always count on you for a down-to-earth post out of left field that is completely on point and well thought-out. @GingerCoffee - I believe that any two people can find the good in each other and co-exist. Even though we are the antithesis of each other, I appreciate your fervor and passion you bring to every discussion. This place would be worse off if you weren't here. @EdFromNY - I am always glad when you are available to share your experience and wisdom with us. You make me think about things in new ways and I am always happy when I see a reply from you! @Daniel - Thank you for creating and continuing to make this site so great! I know I couldn't cover everyone, but I look forward to 2014 to get to know every one of you better! Quick shout-outs to @123456789 @mammamaia @TessaT @Steerpike and so many others! Thank you for making 2013 that much better and I hope everyone has a happy holidays! - J. J.
@JJ_Maxx, thank you so much for such a thoughtful post, not just your kind words for me but for everyone on your list. For reasons I won't go into, I have had a difficult time getting into the holiday spirit this year. You got me there. Have a warm, happy, safe and memorable Christmas.
I'm sorry to hear that, Ed. I hope whatever the situation is it gets better for you soon and you are able to enjoy the holidays.
One of a kind? I'm not sure if that is good or bad? Usually one of a kind items are worth good money, will you be a reference for me so I can hit up some sperm banks to give donations? Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
backatcha, jj! i don't celebrate holidays, but wish everyone who does a happy and healthy one... love and hugs, maia
No one in my family practices religion although we belong to a minor one. Nevertheless, we gather at my parent's place with a tiny Christmas tree in the living room and plenty of Christmas food in the kitchen. And despite my many objections to many things concerning the holidays, I still get in the holiday spirit. It's hard not to. Merry Christmas to you, JJ, and Happy Holidays to everyone else!
Happy... Advent! Chalica! Saint Nicholas' Day! Bodhi Day! Our Lady of Guadalupe! Las Posadas! Saint Lucia's Day! Winter Solstice! Dongzhi Festival! Soyal! Yalda! Mōdraniht! Saturnalia! Pancha Ganapati! Festivus! Christmas! Dies Natalis Solis Invicti! Yule! Anastasia of Sirmium Feast Day! Malkh! Boxing Day! Kwanzaa! Saint Stephen's Day! Saint John the Evangelist's Day! Holy Innocents' Day! Saint Sylvester's Day! Watch Night! New Year's! Hogmanay! Hanukkah! ...and if you don't celebrate any of those, have a happy last couple weeks of December!
Happy all-of-those too! Personal favorite (after Christmas) is Boxing day, although it does not involve real boxing. Mom and I even celebrate it, although not on the actual day. We can't wait that long!
Quick question: Why do Americans and Brits call Dec 26th Boxing Day? Just as a by the way, In Ireland we call it St. Stephen's Day...
The wren, the wren, the king of all birds on St. Stephen's day he got caught in the furze; So, it's up with the kettle and down with the pan Won't you give us a penny for to bury the wren...
Yeah, I only really celebrate Boxing Day because my mom is a paraprofessional, so that's the day we open up the little presents she gets from her students and teachers she works with. We got some great stuff this year! (A lot of cash, namely, along with some gift cards, two new scarves, a lot of candy, some candles, hot coco mix, and some stuff from Bath and Body Works.)
it's not a nationally recognized holiday and i'd have to bet most folks in the us won't even have heard of it, or if they had, won't know what the heck is being celebrated, or why...
Slightly off topic, but the other day (on two separate occasions, while out shopping) I had two people whom I know are Muslim wish me a Merry Christmas. (They know me from where I worked.) How nice is that? (I'm not Christian either, by the way. I see this as a solstice/midwinter/pagan thing.)
