[BibChr]

No, actually, my remarks target the "spirit" of "Festivus." The "spirit" that says in effect, "I don't want to think about Jesus, but I do like the party people have thrown in His honor. So, let's see... how can I party, without having to be bothered to think...?"

You like that so much, then try this. Throw a birthday party for your wife, and then at the last minute, re-name it "PamelaAndersonus," give it over to a bunch of folks who despise your wife, and join them in ignoring her on her day.

See how that one goes over. And what it says about you.

There's no need for a smarmy substitute for Christmas. The real thing is just fine.

Dan

PS -- and maybe sometime, one of you will write a serious essay explaining how a really repellent idea is "okay," as long as it started on a comedy TV show. Maybe we can get Seinfeld to do a show about lying, and make that funny and cool? Or lying? Or immorality? Or stealing? Or abusing other people? Or being selfish jerks?

And then, when anyone tries to talk about how wretched it is to lie or steal, you can say, "Hey, lighten up; it started on a a comedy show!

Oh, and anyway, they already did those themes, didn't they?

[Balding_Eagle]

Seesh, it must be tough to be around you.

[angkor]

Wow, that's quite a thrashing.

I have a sense that Festivus was created precisely for folks like you.

[XJarhead]

The "spirit" that says in effect, "I don't want to think about Jesus, but I do like the party people have thrown in His honor. So, let's see... how can I party, without having to be bothered to think...?"

No, the spirit of Festivus is that the character of Frank Costanza was psychotic. They could have tried it with 100 other actors and it wouldn't have worked. It is a JOKE that has nothing to do with Christmas. It's like discussing apples and car batteries.

[BureaucratusMaximus]

PS -- and maybe sometime, one of you will write a serious essay explaining how a really repellent idea is "okay," as long as it started on a comedy TV show. Maybe we can get Seinfeld to do a show about lying, and make that funny and cool? Or lying? Or immorality? Or stealing? Or abusing other people? Or being selfish jerks?

You know...from reading alot of your posts before this thread, I'd consider you to be a well informed, educated, and good hearted person with good intentions.

But seriesly...you really must lighten up. Alienating people over silly things, I dare say, goes against the teachings of Christ...and the spirit of Christmas IMHO. Some things are permissible for others, while they may not be permissible for you. Drinking alcohol is permissible for me...but not for others. Dressing my kids up for Halloween, letting my kids read the Harry Potter books, all things are permissible for me, but not for others. Notwithstanding, I am no more Christian or no less a sinner than you or I.

In any rate...

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[HairOfTheDog]

Merry Christmas Dan...

Relax a little, consider turning off the computer. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your Christmas. There will still be reprobates and sinners to flame in the new year.

[martin gibson]

and maybe sometime, one of you will write a serious essay explaining how a really repellent idea is "okay," as long as it started on a comedy TV show. Maybe we can get Seinfeld to do a show about lying, and make that funny and cool? Or lying? Or immorality? Or stealing? Or abusing other people? Or being selfish jerks?

And then, when anyone tries to talk about how wretched it is to lie or steal, you can say, "Hey, lighten up; it started on a a comedy show!

Oh, and anyway, they already did those themes, didn't they?

Your Holiness - please don't forget to use the /sanctimonius mewing close tag and kindly ignore my Festivus invitation.

thank you..!