I have opinions.
Even about Christmas.
I am not and haven't been active in church since I was a fourteen year old pregnant teen and the church decided that I was not worthy of a seat at their table.
Thank goodness I didn't let their disdain slow me down.
It did give me a lifelong urge to be an example of why people are wrong when they treat any person as less than another.
Christmas though as it turns out doesn't have to be either religious or commercial. Once I figured out that the holiday could be all the good feels and none of the bad it has been transformative for our family. We don't even stick to the 25th. This year we are celebrating on New Years Day.
I know everyone celebrates differently and my way is just my way. Tomorrow I will celebrate the family I've found in this unexpected digital space and look forward to seeing all of the holiday toots.
So from our house to yours have a lovely holiday if you choose.
#Summer #Christmas
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@NorcalGma2 From the other coast, we wish you, Summer and her pal the best for the season and a healthy 2026!
@NorcalGma2 Merry Christmas and a joyful New Years to you and your family - Hugs Randi Baker
@NorcalGma2 Since I got married, my husband and I frequently travel at Christmas. Over the years, I have always cried when I called my family on Christmas Eve while they were gathered at my mom's house. This year was the very first time I didn't feel sad about not being there. At age 67, I finally gave myself permission to enjoy our choices. We are having a blast in Hong Kong, and being here at Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Enjoy celebrating your way.
@gparenti
I am also 67. I am happy to hear about people enjoying life any time of year.
I’m so sorry your younger self experienced such trauma at the hands of those who should have been there to support you 🫂❤️
Your Xmas 🎄 and Summer 🐕 are beautiful 😍
Hope you all have a wonderful time together 🫂❤️
@NorcalGma2 happy holidays to you and your family! 🎄
@NorcalGma2 @RHW Thank you for posting! To all the good feels. ❤️🌸🌺🎄
Happy Christmas, however you celebrate it. I'm sorry they treated your 14 year old self that way. That said so much about them as people.
@NorcalGma2 I am so sorry that you experienced hurt like that in the church. Jesus is so much better and more loving than many people who claim to serve Him.
@technocounselor
I agree that not all churches are like the one that turned me away. Religious institutions are a mixed bag still.
@NorcalGma2 sending love to all your family (and extra hugs for Summer). You're a beacon, truly.
@NorcalGma2 Seasons' Greetings to you and Summer, Summer's pal, and the rest of your family.
@NorcalGma2 Here's the one with the dogs, by the Christmas tree. They're not doing their job though as there are deer right in the yard too. I liked the patterns the red and green lights made on the house.
@955_36
I love that one!
@NorcalGma2 I choose to celebrate Christmas as a festival of lights, celebrating the pagan solstice holiday it was stolen from. We just did our annual Christmas Eve Ferndale light tour avoiding a few areas because they're still under water, but there were plenty of nicely decorated homes to cheer us up. One of our favorites had doggies in the front yard. I'll post a photo of it a bit later tonight.
@NorcalGma2 what a beautiful tree and sentiment. Thanks for sharing both.
@NorcalGma2
Wishing you, your family, and if course the lovely Summer the most beautiful seasons greetings. Hope you'll have wonderful holidays, celebrating it just as it suits you best. 💚
@NorcalGma2 warm holiday wishes to you and yours ❤️
@NorcalGma2 Sorry, lousy church you went to! When we married, the church we attended had FIVE pages of rules for women, and TWO pages for men. When we compared the rules, we realized that each of us was doing half of the other person's rules...Stupid legalism!
Your experience made you a good person. Thank you for being here on the internets - you make the world a better place.
Enjoy your family, you are truly blessed in the Glorious Light of Summer!
@NorcalGma2 And to you as well! The tree and Summer look beautiful and warm. Your thoughts on the holiday are much appreciated
@NorcalGma2 beautiful tree!
To you as well.
My family was never really churchgoers at all - but Santa? Kinder and more compassionate than most deities I'd encountered and the joy and happiness Santa brought (and still does) is something to aspire to.
@NorcalGma2
Happy week before Christmas Eve for you!
May your family be healthy this year!
@LoonieFineprint
We have always celebrated after the actual holiday. Much less expensive. Before I retired my employer wanted me to work on the holiday that everyone else wanted off.
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