For the past several years Christmas dinner for us has been at my Unitarian Universalist congregation - a sort of motley potluck of whatever the various musicians, service participants and (of course) clergy and family could put together. Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year we get a mild reprieve - one of the three services has been moved to the morning.

My uncle works for the Transportation Safety Authority and has almost always had to work Christmas Day. It can make things a challenge.

For my job it comes with the territory and is at least Christmassy. For others, it's nothing but a hassle - and thanks to them indeed.

Dan Schatz