Is it just me or does Christmas seem to bring out the worst forms of maudlin sentimentality in many people - that’s if they’re not too distracted by the seasonal frenzy of materialism. Jeez- can we try to remember that it’s just a Pagan festival after all and keep the cheese on the back burner?
Gerry
Sure thing, Ebenezer. 
Examples, please. I mean, could you be more specific about what it is that bothers you, so we’ll know what to stop?
Susan
Pagans don’t like cheese? Not even goat cheese?
And won’t the cheese melt and burn if you keep it on the back burner? :roll:
Examples, please. I mean, could you be more specific about what it is that bothers you, so we’ll know what to stop?
Ach you know - all the “It’s a Wonderful Life” mullarkey. Come on gie’s a break! Let’s just burn a wicker man or something.
Gerry
Meanwhile, I’d like to make a plea of another sort: If the gift doesn’t have your name on it, don’t take it!
I’ve been covering the desk of an associate while he’s on vacation during the holidays. This morning several other employees brought me small gifts which I set on the desk while I went to lunch. While I was gone the guy I’m covering for stopped by, assumed the gifts were for him and took them home!
Hmph.
Susan
sorry you feel like that, merry christmas to you anyway 
Cool!
LET’S BURN GERRY! LET’S BURN GERRY! 
(Just kidding)
/checking list of Things Pagans Like
I like cheese. And I don’t find expressing one’s gratitude for friends, or offering best wishes to others, cheesy. Go figure. :roll:
Have a blessed holiday, Gerry1, and may the year ahead be filled with much music and joy!
I like cheese. So you could do both by giving me cheese as a Christmas gift.
/offers glauber some brie
I’ll get some of my staff here to make a few phone calls. We’ll take care of it.
Best wishes,
Jerry
Just kidding? How else are the crops supposed to come back?
/thanks you and goes looking for the crackers
what is a humbug anyway?
These are…
Slan,
D.
I, for one, do not need to try. Being a witch, this is a special time for me as the light is returning, and a new King shall be born.
Gerry, maudlin as the seemingly over-abundant Christmas sentiment seems, do not forget what the birth of Christ is all about…it is about a divine spiritual beacon and a divine spiritual redemption…schmultz aside, it is a time to reflect and a time to look forward. It is a time where you heart is given special sanction to be filled with love, happiness and selflessness. This is a holy time, a time of rebirth for us all, and frankly, I’d rather have all the gimmicks and sentimentality associated with this season than a dark, empty and depressing void where Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanza, Ramadan or:…enter your observance here…do not exist.
Search your heart, and be merry. “Come, and know me better…”-Dickens.
Edited for grammar, spelling, mindset and a couple of ‘Turkish Delights’!
Looks like it.
Slan,
D. 
And besides - it’s yucky out, we’re snowed in, and whether it’s Christ, solstace, or whatever, we need SOMETHING to celebrate to get over the winter blahs.
I mean, common - you don’t expect us to wait until Mardi Gras to have a party, do you???
Missy