Well, hello. This holiday season has been quite the interesting one from years past. From the carnage and crazed shoppers at the malls after Thanksgiving to the debate of the political correctness of specific holiday names has caused tension in the air to rise. I've never seen so many people argue over such stupid, insignificant things. Why can't these hypocritical groups be happy? They need to accept traditions and respect each ethnic group. This doesn't mean they have to celebrate other holidays which they're unaccustomed with.

See with all that's happened over the past year: Hurricane Katrina, war in Iraq, Bird Flu scare, shopping madness, and commercial holiday war Americans should be grateful to be alive and well. Also those who get to celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa with their families need to be thankful. So many others are alone, homeless, or stuck in the hospital with an illness. Another thing, people should feel free to say Merry Christmas or whatever and not worry about offending different ethnic groups. If they don't like it then too bad. That should be the least of anyone's problems during this time of year.

I'm trying to be optimistic for the new year. I seriously hope positive changes occur for the whole nation and other parts of the world. Receiving gifts isn't important to me. Rather than mindless spending for common gifts on impulse it would be nice to see more middle-class and rich people donate essentials(money, food, clothes) to the needy. I gave a donation to the Red Cross for the Hurricane victims. Families in Louisiana can use all the help they can get as they were left with nothing. Spreading the word about giving to right causes such as charities is good for the holiday season. Everyone let's not fight and bicker this year, try to understand the truth meaning of Christmas, and think of others rather than ourselves. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!