[halfstreet]

Being in Japan for so long, I've grown accustomed to seeing Christmas celebrated as an almost completely non-christian holiday. It's more of a date-night or dinner party with friends. The retail machine also starts around October, and that's what everyone thinks Christmas is about.
I can't wait for next year to be able to celebrate Christmas with my family back in the US again. The fellowship and just spending time together laughing, telling stories about past christmas's or maybe sharing a tear or two remembering our departed loved ones and the things that we remember make this holiday my favorite.
Christmas is about Christ - let's not forget that! It's sharing, and speding time with the people you love. If you don't have someone to celebrate these things with, then maybe consider doing something to give back to our fellow man - volunteering at a soup kitchen or something like that.
Maybe that sounds silly, but isn't that REALLY what it's all about? We don't HAVE to let the "industry" of Christmas spoil it for us if we remember the true meaning.

I wish everyone a happy holiday season and the best wishes!
Brad