I am offended. I have decided to join the tirades of the modern, extreme American masses wear my feelings on my shoulders and force my offense on others. Why, you ask, am I offended? I am offended because others are offended by the mere mention of the word “Christmas”. Yes, dear friends, I have decided to take on the persona of modern culture and act like a spoiled two-yearold, putting my feelings out there for anyone and everyone to be offended with me. (Incidentally, that’s the way unnecessary feelings of becoming offended works.)

I am doing my best this season to offend others by greeting one and all with the familiar Christmas salutation of (Oops! There’s that offensive word again!) “Merry Christmas”. Actually, I do it without thinking. I mean, after all, this is the season to be jolly and celebrate the birth of the Christ child who is the visible form of the invisible eternal living God and the source of the season. What’s offensive about that? It’s our Christmas holiday. It originated with Him. We are celebrating His birth with all the gusto we can, like we always have.

Speaking of the word ‘holiday’, I am offended by it. Really? The word ‘holiday’ is a generic term that is being misused during the Christmas season. We have Thanksgiving holidays. There are Easter holidays. (Note the prerequisite terms “Thanksgiving” and “Easter” that identify the holidays.) Finally, there are the CHRISTMAS holidays. I know, I’m being offensive again, tossing the controversial term “Christmas” around like it is an actual word that has a prominent place in today’s vernacular. Yes, I am undeniably, irrevocably offended when someone calls out, “Happy Holidays”, I plan to start formally protesting it on social media and all other public stages just as soon as I get time to do so.

I am also offensively singing Christmas carols without thought, using the “C” word left and right, flinging it out there in verse and rhyme for passersby to hear and casually enjoy and hum along. I am crooning “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” with Bing Crosby and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with Judy Garland. I am offensively playing Christmas music on the radio and basking in the warm glow of the Christmas spirit. I can’t help myself; these Christmas traditions keep cropping up in my actions, conversations, and behaviors instinctively. I am socially unacceptable.

And by the way, I am offended by the lack of Christmas mu-sic on TV commercials. Deeply offended. Who gives a hoot about singing along with rock songs from the 1970’s and ‘80’s while watching actors open their Christmas gifts around the Christmas tree. I want to hear “Jingle Bells”, “Oh, Christmas Tree”, or some other cheerful Christmas carol that brings back the nostalgia of Christmas past and which celebrates the true spirit of Christmas today. Utter disgust fails to convey my feelings on this subject.

Finally, I am offended just because I want to be so. It’s my right. I say “Bah Humbug” to all those who don’t agree with me! (Whew! Being offended and offending others is exhaustive and too much work for this old girl!)

On second thought, you and I have better things to do than become offended by those who are offended by the origin of Christmas. We can herald the reason for the season! Make Christmas about the One who came to a quiet, humble stable on a deep star filled night and changed the world with His first cry! We can remember the beauty of the ordinary, the peace of His promises, the presence of His spirit not only on Christmas but every sunrise that constitutes a day and every sunset that concludes it. That’s what Christmas is all about! Jesus Christ. Family. Making memories. Hot chocolate and wrapping gifts. Singing familiar carols and remembering there is hope because there is a God who loves us, despite those who choose to be offended. Merry Christmas to all! (Pass it on.)