This time of year, the same argument gets debated in government centers, schools, and public buildings. Do we spread cheer with a "Merry Christmas" or a "Happy Holidays"? People can become quite irate! I even heard a tune by the band Go Fish about this very subject. The Christian camp wants a "Merry Christmas" proclaimed loud and clear, while the politically correct camp wants a "Happy Holidays" that will encompass all holidays in the month of December...this is what my family jokingly calls the "Ramahanukwanzmas" approach.
Personally, I find them both appropriate. This may shock some readers, but let me explain. The true origin of "Happy Holidays" was not meant as it's used today...a generic non-offensive all-encompassing holiday greeting. The root of the phrase actually comes from Happy Holy Days. You see, there are a lot of holy days on the Christian calendar at this time of year, beginning with Christ the King Sunday, then moving on to the days of Advent, and then the many saint days celebrated by various cultures...St. Lucia Day, St. Nicholas Day, et al. And then, there are the feasts and celebrations that various cultures mark, such as La Posada. Christmas, as a period of time, is relatively short...twelve days. It is followed by the much longer season of Epiphany.
Perhaps the best greeting for any day is "Shalom." Peace. The peace that passes all understanding. That's the message for today's card.
I made this card for the Gina K Designs challenge...a card of blue and green. I think this combo makes a lovely Christmas card, don't you?
{recipe: Vintage Borders (Gina K), Many Wishes (Gina K), white old olive/ baja breeze cardstock, baja breeze ink, versafine onyx ink, Basic Grey Dasher papers, blue taffeta ribbon, Amuse star twinkles}
Wishing you shalom in your home today!
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