[StatenIsland]

I read the story this AM.

It’s a nice story; I hope that it is read and appreciated as such.

Often, the mention of NYC illicits a certain small degree of animosity, let’s hope that doesn’t happen here.

Yes, Christmas should be first and foremost a religious celebration, and yes, the commercialization of the birth of Christ is wont to be frowned upon. But how we celebrate Christmas is up to each of us undividually, yes?

There is no denying the joy and wonderment on the faces of our children and grandchildren when these iconic images and songs fill the air and the airwaves.

So...thanks New York.

[StatenIsland]

undividually = individually. Oops.

[the invisib1e hand]

There's a reason people stream to NYC constantly -- it's almost a pilgrimage. This is part of it.

Just the other day someone told that a friend visited from New Zealand, where it's summer now and Santas sweat in their suits. "It's the first time Christmas has seemed real to me," she said. "People are supposed to be bundled up, carolling on the sidewalk."

Yes, there is something uniquely and positively American about New York and about a winter Christmas celebration.

All the more reason to do the semantic ass-kicking on the wimps (yes-it will an easy wupping) who aspire to sanitize our language of Christ.

[Alberta's Child]

Very interesting story.

One reason New York City elicits some animosity is that it has long been at the forefront of the radical secularization of this country. And Christmas isn't really much different than any other aspect of life. If you were to walk around New York City today you'd have a hard time convincing yourself that there's anything Christian about this holiday season.

[Clemenza]

How do you celebrate Christmas on Staten Island? Do you guys decorate the Camaro with lights?

Just kidding. MERRY CHRISTMAS from New Brighton to Tottenville!