Take responsibility for own spiritual experience

"Merry Christmas" or "happy holidays?" Do we really lack such ability to determine the course of our own personal lives that we can't find anything better to do at Christmas time than to worry about what everyone else is up to?

Here are a few thoughts. If you want to say "Merry Christmas," say it. If you want to put up a "Christmas tree," do it. If you want to put up a "solstice tree" or a "holiday tree," do it. Decorate your home however you want. Spend Christmas or Hanukkah (or whatever holiday your convictions lead you to celebrate) at the church of your choice — or don't. Take responsibility for your own spiritual experience and let others do the same. If you don't like the retail scene, don't go. If the TV bums you out, turn it off.

Enjoy your traditions and your family. Make yourself happy. Try being nice to other people instead of threatening them with violence. It might just make you feel better. Try it for yourself.

TODD CROSSETT

Cocolalla