I get somewhat offended these days when I’m wished “Merry Xmas or Happy Holiday”. The holiday is Christmas, not Xmas or some unnamed happy holiday. - My response to those store clerks (most I know, are just doing as they are told) and telephone greeters who have wished me a happy holiday this year has been “Well, Merry Christmas to you”. Some say thank-you others say nothing, some clerks smile.

This holiday is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. No other reason. I encourage you as we go through the hustle and bustle of Christmas to focus on that thought. Christ is the center of the holiday and should remain our focus year round.

Merry Christmas - With love from Dad.