Time to put out the Nativity, Xmas Tree, Menora, Kinara?..... and Homemade Eggnog

I really wanted to write a blog today and this morning I had many blog ideas. But now as I actually sit down to do this, I'm at a loss. Then I thought I would write about what I've noticed about this holiday season or the holiday season for the past 10yrs or so. I am not looking to get into a real deep discussion on this just my thoughts on the "Holiday" or "Christmas" season.

Growing up my family has always celebrated the traditional Christmas. We put up a tree, sang carols, bought presents, and so on and so on. When I was in elementary school we had a Christmas program where we sang traditional songs like "Jingle Bells" and "Away in the Manger". That's where the issue seems to be now. Not "Jingle Bells" but "Away in the Manger". As children we thought nothing of singing Christian songs or carols along with other holiday music. Having to stay away from Christ never seemed to be an issue. I went to a public school.

As our society becomes increasingly politically correct I have to wonder are we over stepping a bit. In our effort to not offend have we gone so far as to go right back to offending. As a country known for our Freedom of Religion does that mean you can believe what you want as long as you don't bring it into the mainstream? Wasn't that the point to begin with? To believe what you want and not have fear of persecution? Does it really truly offend people if there is a nativity scene in front of the court house? Or does the idea of the nativity urk people? I am neither a strong believer on either front. I have my beliefs and that's what they are. Mine. And frankly I don't care what is displayed on our buildings or sang in our schools when it comes to Christmas. It all has the general meaning of spreading love and acceptance. Being with people you care about and taking a moment to think of other people than yourself for a change. To me Christmas is everything it has been since I was a kid. "O Holy Night" happens to be my favorite carol and my Oma's nativity scene under her tree was something I would stare at for hours simply because both are beautiful and symbolize peace.

Yes, I understand both points of view quite well. For Christians the very meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For non-Christians, Christmas is more of a combination of faiths, pagan tradition, other holidays, and commercialism all rolled into one. But to go as far as to literally ban anything Christ related in public schools is a bit too much. I believe the banning is causing more harm than "O Come All Ye Faithful". I believe it teaches kids to be less accepting of other's beliefs rather than more accepting. When I was in first grade I went to a liberal arts school and we still sang traditional carols. We also took a day to learn about Hannukah and Kwanzaa. That seemed fine. I realize that this blog may seem I am more on the side of Christianity but that's not entirely true. This isn't a crusade for religion. It's more or less about our society trying so hard to make everyone happy it's having the opposite effect. For people that know me well know that I do try to be politically correct in most situations. I don't like to stereotype people of different races and I hate jokes that are sexist or racist as well. I just find them in poor taste and think other topics are more appropriate. I hope to teach my children about all that is Christmas and will never call my tree a "Holiday Tree" as it will always be a Christmas tree.

Since this truly is my favorite time of year I don't like to get into to many political discussions or debates on the "True Meaning of Christmas". I like to decorate, get together with family, shop, and watch Christmas movies on t.v. I know many people have very strong opinions on this matter or else it wouldn't make the news practically every night. So I am interested in how other people feel about this matter? Do you think we should take Christ out of Christmas? Should we celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as well? Or can we just have a Good Ol Fashion Family Christmas?

As an added bonus here is my recipe for Egg Nog as seen on allrecipes.com. It heats up the eggs so it is safe for pregnant women. Of course the rum is optional :)

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups light rum
• 4 cups light cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.
2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.
3. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.