Christmas Message

Subject: Christmas Message
From: Gaucho
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:05 PM

Why should the Queen, the Pope and whatever celeb Channel Four wheel out, be the only ones to have their say over Christmas. Lets have a whirl of mudcat messages to the masses!

Mine's still distilling !

Gaucho

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:16 PM

Happy Christmas from South Wales hope you also have a Happy New Year.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:49 PM

Never pass up the chance to play Santa Claus for a bunch of kids. The experience is priceless.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: PennyBlack
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:53 PM

May this be the best Christmas you've ever had

and the worst you'll ever have


PB

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: open mike
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 07:06 PM

happy haunkah solstice kwanzaa christmas....hey! when is saturnalia?
any excuse for a party...the shortest day, the longest night...but
the light is returning! happy santa lucia day....light a candle...
as Si Kahn says...it's not how big your share is, it is how you share!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:24 PM

It's not how big it is, it's what you do with it.. now where have I heard that before....

I've got my Christmas treat lined up.... a trip to Wembley to see The Darkness!!!

Whooo.. can I borrow some black eyeliner anyone?

May all your Christmasses be Goth!

(Found some lovely Goth Christmas decorations in 'Paperchase' - all black tinsel, shiny baubles and even a black tree....!)

LTS

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Nike
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:25 AM

Peace on Earth & Good will to all men


JUST DO IT!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,BS Threads
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:26 AM

So it's now official: Christmas is B.S.!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Gaucho
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 06:35 AM

Keep the music live, the welcome warm, the food homecooked, the underwear clean, the children safe, the partner happy, the politicians under control, a few quid/euros/dollars etc in the bank, a roof over your head and a laugh in your belly and best wishes from Lincoln for Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 09:11 AM

Schantieman and I are going to lie in front of the fire, eat chocs, watch vids/tv and generally ... well use your imaginations.

Christmas has got comepletly out of hand. Too much money is spent on things we don't need. I hate Christmas. Yes I do! I am not 'celebrating' it this year. I haven't sent any cards for 2 years. If the only time you remember someone is at Christmas, you're not a good friend to that person, are you? If you see people every day that you would send a card to, why not just say happy Christmas to them? Why clog up the postal system? Why not buy just your nearest and dearest a present and tell them you love them? People seem to judge your 'affection' by the quality, value and place you bought the gift. WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT, FOR GOD'S SAKE?

My message? Have fun with what ever turns you on.

Love
Sal

(Scrouge)

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 12:08 PM

Christmas literally means Celebrate the son of God. That's what I do. The rest varies from enjoyable and loving to trivial and materialistic. I don't let the materialistic get to me. There's enough stuff around me that does get to me to keep me consistently "got."

Find joy where you can..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 12:18 PM

Happy Christmas!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Cluin
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:11 PM

Thank gawd for the kids! Without them, we adults would likely consign Christmas to the drawer full of old photos, stray rubber bands and paper clips, half-dead batteries, mystery orphan screws, and old remote controls for junked TVs. Spend Christmas with a kid and you'll remember why it's such a magical time.

Merry Christmas all.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:36 PM

Perhaps to wish a Merry Christmas to those who are not as well off as yourself could be an unselfish and commendable thing. What do you think?
Best wishes for a great Christmas to all who read this and to all those who cannot read this or who cannot even afford to eat never mind a computer............

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:32 PM

Keep wailin' Catters! To you and your family a warm, musical Christmas from the Nightbirds...

Christopher Childs

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:58 PM

Hope it's good for ya, what ever it is to ya!

:-)

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:05 PM

Quite cheery for CH, in'it?

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:09 PM

Don't poke sleeping bears Chris...

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 06:51 PM

HA! Ho HO HO!!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 02:04 PM

Kindness and tolerance---and avoid the bears when they awaken.

Art Thieme (Wear a bell. I've heard it helps.)

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: grumpy al
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 02:07 PM

seasons greetings and may your God be with you

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Cluin
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 02:27 PM

I hope so. Somebody needs to be the designated driver.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 07:38 PM

Merry Mudcat Christmas to y'all!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: dianavan
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 09:14 PM

A secret Santa once sent me a card with six 20 dollar bills inside. It was a Christmas when me and my two kids had NOTHING. It was a wonderful surprise. I will always remember that and now I, too, send secret Santa money to needy families.

Please do not limit yourselves to donating to established charities. Look around. Surely there is someone in your neighborhood who could use a little cash at Christmas. Especially consider the single parents. Its a hard time for many of them.

I hope that your holidays will be filled with light and that you will be able to let the light within you shine forth during the holidays.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:03 PM

In the words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless Us Everyone!"

If you don't want to hear about God, that's OK too. Peace and goodwill to all, along with presents, poultry, and plenty to drink.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:08 PM

Ho Ho Fucking Ho

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Once Famous
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 12:27 PM

Please form a single line to return your gifts.

No gifts will be taken back without a receipt.

Also, please take your lights and decorations down as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Cluin
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 12:20 AM

And keep your gut-churning fruitcake to yourself.

"There was plums an' prunes an' cherries..."

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,SueB
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 03:17 AM

I'm all in favor of Christmas, everybody, but isn't all this a little bit premature? It's barely the seventh of December, for Christ's sake! How will you possibly sustain this level of cheery festivity for an entire month? Egads, folks, pace yourselves! Pace yourselves!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Gaucho
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 03:36 PM

Think of it more as a sedate marathon than a feverish sprint!

Cheers
G

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 09:57 AM

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 01:52 PM

Ms Lemon (et al like us), in the true spirit of Christian goodness...

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Gypsy
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 10:41 PM

Well, the amount of people who need to be fed, housed,and helped this season, we GOTTA start early. commercialism? I cook for holiday gifts. Jams, cheesecakes, bread, you name it. The true meaning of the season? I do that year round, helping people with housing, food, and bills. Feel burnt out by commercialism? Donate to ANY religious house, and they will help the helpless. Even better..........donate you time and slave labour!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 11:23 PM

You got that right, Gypsy. There are so many people in need in this country that would appreciate any small kindness. If people are turned off by the commercialism of the season, I'd encourage them to rebel. Show those Damned Christians what real love is and get off your bum and go visit somebody in a nursing home, or leave an envelope with a little money in it in the mailbox of someone who is really struggling. Surprise someone with something you baked, as Gypsy said. Or invite someone who is alone to come over for dinner.

There is no shortage of needy people. Just givers.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Peace
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 11:34 PM

I hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable Christmas season. Keep well and smile lots.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Pauline L
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 02:22 AM

Jerry, you are so right. We need more givers. We have so many needy people. Think of someone you know with a need and give him/her/them a simple gift. Invite someone who is alone over for dinner, or call, write, or PM that person. Christmas is a terrible time to be alone. Give a gift (the material kind) to someone who really needs it. Try alternate giving.

I think this thread is an appropriate place for this message of mine.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,SueB
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 02:36 AM

"Damned Christians" made me laugh, Jerry. Is that some kind of new sect?

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 02:48 AM

Pauline, the violin should ALWAYS win. I guess it depends on who you're playing it for...
Merry Christmas to you : )

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: gnu2
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 06:15 AM

Ms Lemon said... "People seem to judge your 'affection' by the quality, value and place you bought the gift. WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT, FOR GOD'S SAKE?"

That's why I call this modern version "Kissmeass".

Merry Ho Ho to all.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 07:23 AM

Have a good festering season and I wish all of you the best for the new year.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 09:15 AM

Oh yeah, what do you mean by "best", Shanghaiceltic? You trying to tell me what to do? You talking to ME?

Same to you, Mister AND your Mother!

Maybe if we wished people well in the tone of an insult it would be more acceptable? :-)

Jerry

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Someone Nice
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 01:08 PM

Hi everyone,

Christmas is much more that just the old tradition of giving. Its also about togetherness, forgiveness, joy, peace and love!

History of Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The exact day of the Christ child's birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as the observance of Christmas. On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services. During the Christmas season, they also exchange gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees. The word Christmas comes from Cristes maesse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.

The story of Christmas comes chiefly from the Gospels of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew in the New Testament. According to Luke, an angel appeared to shepherds outside the town of Bethlehem and told them of Jesus's birth. Matthew tells how the wise men, called Magi, followed a bright star that led them to Jesus.

The first mention of Christmas

The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar. The celebration of this day as Jesus's birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian) festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god; and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid-December to celebrate the end of the harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving. These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration.

In the late 300's, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. By 1100, Christmas had become the most important religious festival in Europe, and Saint Nicholas was a symbol of gift giving in many European countries. During the 1400's and 1500's, many artists painted scenes of the Nativity, the birth of Jesus.
The popularity of Christmas grew until the Reformation, a religious movement of the 1500's. This movement gave birth to Protestantism. During the Reformation, many Christians began to consider Christmas a pagan celebration because it included nonreligious customs. During the 1600's, because of these feelings, Christmas was outlawed in England and in parts of the English colonies in America. The old customs of feasting and decorating, however, soon reappeared and blended with the more Christian aspects of the celebration.

Gift giving

The custom of giving gifts to relatives and friends on a special day in winter probably began in ancient Rome and northern Europe. In these regions, people gave each other small presents as part of their year-end celebrations. A gift is a token of appreciation.

Other customs

In the 1800's, two more Christmas customs became popular--decorating Christmas trees and sending Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many well-known Christmas carols, including ``Silent Night" and ``Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," were composed during this period. In the United States and other countries, Santa Claus replaced Saint Nicholas as the symbol of gift giving.

The celebration of Christmas became increasingly important to many kinds of businesses during the 1900's. Today, companies manufacture Christmas ornaments, lights, and other decorations throughout the year. Other firms grow Christmas trees, holly, and mistletoe. Many stores and other businesses hire extra workers during the Christmas season to handle the increase in sales.

The word Xmas is sometimes used instead of Christmas. This tradition began in the early Christian church. In Greek, X is the first letter of Christ's name. It was frequently used as a holy symbol.

Enjoy the holidays and may peace rule the world!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Pauline L
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 03:36 PM

GUEST, Someone Nice, thanks so much for your post about the history of Xmas. Can you or anyone else explain how St. Nicholas, who gave to the poor, became Santa Claus, who often gives expensive gifts to people who don't need them?

Pauline

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Gaucho
Date: 11 Dec 04 - 10:22 AM

Lots of food for thought and more importantly action! I like the idea of the anonymous gifts to someone having a rough time.
Cheers
G

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Cluin
Date: 11 Dec 04 - 08:58 PM

If you want to avoid getting in the holiday spirit, c'mon by and I'll tea-bag an eggnog for ya.   ;)

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 03:01 PM

Hope you have a lovely time in Spain! lucky thing!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Ron Davies
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 07:33 AM

Music si, commercialism no.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: open mike
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 07:05 PM

TEN GREEN TIPS FOR THE SEASON'S FESTIVITIES

Purchase organic and Fair Trade foods for holiday meals.
Avoid toxic PVC and excessive packaging in the gifts you buy.
Use reusable gift wrap instead of paper, like fabric or gift boxes.
Choose fashion over energy consumption:
Turn down the heat and put on a sweater.
Consider the types of businesses you are supporting
when you are shopping.
'Tis the season for giving:
Volunteer some time for your favorite cause.
Put your holiday lights on a timer to save energy.
Have them on only when you can really appreciate them.
Try a living potted Christmas tree (plant it outside in the spring). Or arrange some pruned branches, instead of chopping down a tree.
Your favorite charity will do more for the planet
with your money than a new holiday outfit will. Donate!
Humans are part of the environment too, and so being kind to the environment also means being kind to each other. Love is contagious, so pass it around.
__________________________________

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: open mike
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 07:12 PM

i would add if you choose to give gifts give those you have made yourself or something hand made by a crafts person. candles, pottery, cookies, something from your garden or a poem story or song from you will mean so much more than some glitzy object mass produced . Some shops do get
a good portion of their budget from christmas sales and they do depend on buyers, but you do not have to be a part of their bottm line unless you like the shops and feel good about them. If you have a choice between a small local shop and a huge multi national conglomerate,
which one will you give business to?

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: tarheel
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 07:50 PM

i'm sorry,but i'm old fashion and you can't have Christmas without the Christmas story...so,here it is! this is what Christmas is all about!
(by the way,if i offend anyone here,tough! i refuse to be a part of the "politically correct" crowd!)


The Gospel of Luke, 2:1-20




And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord come upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is to come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

so there...Merry Christmas to you all!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:20 PM

Wish you all a Merry christmas and

please pray 4 me that my dream comes true this christmas
thanks and bye

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: DougR
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:23 PM

Merry Christmas!
DougR

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Amos
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 11:08 PM

God Rest Ye All Merry, Gentle Folkies!!


A

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Peace
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 12:11 AM

Best of the season to y'all, your families and friends. Be careful and be safe, and may peace be our new task in 2005.

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: GUEST,Dave Roberts, Salt Town Poets
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:55 AM

Season's Greetings from
The Salt Town Poets
&
Salt Town Promotions,

Middlewich

www.salttownpoets.co.uk

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 07:45 AM

I know it's Christmas because I'm making lasagna today. Stop by and have a plate full..

If you can't make it, maybe I could mail you a plate?

Have a joyful time in whatever way you celebrate the season. Or don't. There is something worth celebrating every morning when we can get out of bed and walk across the room.

And have a joyful Christmas!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:17 PM

Merry Christmas everyone, have a good one! :0)

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:44 PM

DH 12 2001

CHRISTMAS Message
------------------------------------
If ya don't find Christ inside
yer not gonna find him
If ya don't know the Buddha's you
You'll never meet him
If ya have no idea yer a creator
Creations not for you
If ya don't know yer the merciful
Ya missed Allah too
If ya don't become the Santa
Your presents will be few.

IF this somehow offends ya
Let me tell ya what to do
Look inside and ask yourself
Is it words that you believe
Have you confused the metaphor
and worship Christmas Eve?

Some may think this sacrilege
because they missed the point
they listened to a guy "in charge"
That God did not appoint
The hero is inside you
When you follow dreams
Worship love in everything
it's easier than it seems

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Metchosin
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 02:22 AM

And I know it's Christmas because I just baked a couple of dozen mincemeat tarts and damn, after all these years, they still don't taste as good as my old Mum's.

Merry Christmas everyone, thank you for making this a great place to hang a moniker and all the very best for the New Year.

Susan

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: tarheel
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 11:04 AM

metchosin, peg makes the most wonderful mincemeat pies you ever tasted...only at christmas do we ever get to eat them...mmmmm,so good too!
it's not a southern tradition either...but we are trying to change that!...merry christmas...

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Flash Company
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 11:38 AM

I've just finished 'decking the halls', not with boughs of holly, ain't got much of that. Ivy though, anyone can have some if they want it, can't get rid of the tarnation stuff. Yew and Laurel not far behind.
Sheila is out trying to ensure that we round up what family we have left for Christmas Day, we are dwindling and some are not as agile as they were.
We've wrapped all the presents and distributed most of them, not a lot of flash, we still believe that it's the thought that counts!
We usually begin to relax on Boxing Day!
Merry Christmas 'cats.

FC

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Pauline L
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 11:30 PM

Refresh.

Max, we appreciate you and your hard work. I hope you had a very good Xmas and I wish you all the best in the New Year.

I'm staying with Sinsull and having fun doing heavy duty loafing. Now she has a chest cold and feels crummy, but when I tell her that Mudcat is up, I'm sure she'll feel much better.

I hope everyone had a good Xmas. We're so lucky to be part of the Mudcat community. Long may it flourish!

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: fat B****rd
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 05:45 AM

All the best, everybody. Be happy and lucky. A special greeting and thanks to all the 'catters who sent messages when my son was assaulted. He's doing fine now. XXXXXX

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:42 AM

Jerry it's now the 27th and that plate of lasagna still hasn't reached me, won't it be getting cold by now?
Giok

Subject: RE: Christmas Message
From: Alice
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:10 PM

Greetings to all of you from myself and my son Ryan:

We Wish You Peace
(photo card here)
http://my.montana.net/aliceflynn/dec04.html

Alice