Merry Christmas and other musings

Thanksgiving is over and the mad rush begins to find that 'one perfect gift' for family and friends. It is sad when the stress of shopping for Christmas overshadows the actual meaning of it. I admit to being one of the weird after Thanksgiving shoppers that get up at 2AM to hit the blitz sales. I know December 25th is not the actual birth date of Christ but it is the time we have chosen to celebrate and acknowledge Him. I have a pin that I wear during Christmas time that says 'Merry Christmas it is okay to say' which a friend gave me a few years ago. It became more and more apparent that merchants and the public became so PC that they did not want to offend a small majority of people. I on the other hand I AM OFFENDED that people choose or are told not to say it. It may only seem like two little words but it still reminds me of 'Merry Xmas' and the fact that Christ is still being taken out of Christmas.
My nieces and nephews are being raised the same as my sisters and I were. We know the real meaning of Christmas and the fact that the gift giving/receiving is a symbol of the gifts brought to Christ at His birth.
When did our Country become a place trying to be ruled by a small majority of people who do nothing to better their lives or the lives of others. I know my blogs seem like a gripefest but there are things that bother me that have to be brought to the forefront.
I do have many blessings I am grateful in my life. I know I have the salvation that only Jesus Christ can give me. I am blessed to have had my Dad, my grandparents and some dear friends in my life before they passed away. I am grateful to the small number of friends I can count on to help me or know they can count on me to help them. I am grateful that I can 'pursue happiness' with my friends and relatives. I am honored that our Armed Forces is still made up of men and women who voluntarily sacrifice their time, and many their lives, so we can continue to live in the LAND OF THE FREE THANKS TO THE HOME OF THE BRAVE!! I have had the chance to belong to some phenomenal groups, even though I am a civilian, that can honor our Troops and our Veterans.
I am grateful I have can make the decision of my employment, place of residence and what I want to do for pleasure and purpose in my life.
I have done things in my life, because of the choices given me, that I have not always been happy with and sometimes ashamed that I chose that direction. I know I have hurt people, intentionally or unintentionally, that I can never take back. I am still working on the part of me that can hold a grudge for far too long.
I want to make my life better and hope that those around me who know me have been bettered by the fact that I was in their lives. Sometimes it will take years for the answers to some of your questions and other times you will never learned the answers.
I don't believe the path we choose should always be smooth and without problems. A few problems and struggles in our lives is what builds character, makes us stronger and fortifies our resolves, beliefs and convictions of character.