Hello everybody! It’s me- Dear DeDe!!!
Today we have a letter from a dog seeking advice:
Dear DeDe:
I am sad. I thought the holidays were supposed to be a time of love and joy, but it appears to be anything but. Traffic is worse. People aren’t nice in stores. And the worst? The people that say mean things. See, we’re not Christians, yet my Facebook feed is filled with these posts about I’m not saying Happy Holidays- I’m saying Christmas! It really hurts my feelings because I feel so left out! If this is a time to celebrate peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, then why are so many people so mean?
Confused and Sad
Dear Confused and Sad:
I think humans that are insistent that no one step on their own rights don’t always stop to consider the fact that they may be hurting others.
The truth is that while not only Christians celebrate Christmas, it is a Christian holiday. But there are also other holidays celebrated around this time, such as Kwanzaa (Dec. 26- Jan 1), Winter Solstice (Dec 22) and Hanukkah (December 20-28). There are others who do not celebrate any holiday at this time of year.
As for your dilemma, I wish I had an answer for you, but there is nothing I can suggest; humans are sometimes unthinking, but I don’t think they purposely mean to leave you out.
I hope you will choose to instead focus on the things that DO make this season nice.
Love, DeDe
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Well said DeDe…..:)
Thank you! -DeDe
In Pakistan we get a winter break but not because of Christmas. Although we do have a Christian Minority here, so im glad they get this time off so that they can celebrate in peace. People are unthinking and sometimes cruel too. But then there are good people so seek out their company. 🙂
We do forget sometimes that we’re not all the same. -DeDe
Hi DeDe! * waves paw*
In our country, there are NOT so many Christians, but still people LOVE celebrating Christmas Day. To be honest, we don’t know much about the Bible and about Christ, because we don’t have any oppotunities to learn about it at school. But still we say ” Happy Christmas!!!” and love the day! Maybe it might look weird or silly to those who celebrate it seriously but we are happy enough. 🙂
The point is, Dear Confused and Sad, what you feel is how you take things in. If you don’t like what others say or behave to you, you just let them pass. You don’t have to feel sad or be confused for them! You shouldn’t take things negatively! It wastes of time in your life!!! Woo woo!!! 🙂
Good point Kevin!
For Christians it is good to celebrate the birth of Christ ( though I don’t think it happened on Dec 25th!) Mostly now this time of year seems to be about presents! People get very stressed(well they do here) and also burdened with having to spend the holidays with family who they would never want to see at any other time.
The true Christian message is one of forgiveness, redemption and love and the joy that brings. I guess amidst the clamour of commercialisation here in the west, folk might forget that.
Well said DeDe 🙂
Thanks Carolyn! -DeDe
DeDe that’s excellent advice! You are one wise dog!
Love, Sammy
Coming from a cat that is quite the compliment! -DeDe
Aawe, that letter made me feel a bit sad. 😦
I don’t want anyone to feel sad…. I do hope that humans will show a bit more compassion, especially this time of year.
I agree. People are like that here as well, mean, moody, no respect. And they expect me to be nice.
But around Christmas, people should be happy.
All I can do is my part to try to lighten the load for another. A smile can go a long way to make that happen.
Right on, DeDe!
But how are you? I read Rumpy’s tweet that you may need to see the vet.
I have had many problems since Jen brought me home. Hard to believe a dog as wonderful as me can have so many health issues *sigh*
DeDe, you give very good advice. Would you consider running for President?
I’m sorry, but humans need to work out their own problems. -DeDe
Hi De De!! I make sure I celebrate all gift giving holidays, no matter what the religion. I never want to miss an opportunity to get presents. BOL!
And eat cookies!!!!
Aww, that is a little sad. I think your advice was spot on DeDe. Don’t let others decisions and choices get you down and focus on the best part of the season. Someone else’s stress needn’t be your own. 😀
Thanks Sheri! -DeDe
Love your posts through the eyes of Dede! We should all be as loving as our tail wagging friends! I learn many things about life thru my pups – being happy and excited to take a walk, have a treat and snuggle down! And that should carry all the way thru the holidays…Christmas that is!
One would hope that would suffice for every day of the year. -DeDe
that’s a wonderful photo of you dear DeDe, Ched agrees and THAT is saying something !
I think the spirit of Christmas is what this season should really be all about. It doesn’t matter what religion you believe in as much as trying to capture the true goodness that this holiday should bring to mind. Kindness, giving back, thinking of those in need,family and friends, miracles….NOT the frenzy of shopping and getting stressed out that so many people take as the norm these days. Not what I call any kind of holiday.
Good post dear DeDe, well done. 🙂
Thanks Geraldine and Mr. Cheddar! -DeDe
You’re very wise and diplomatic, DeDe. It’s one of those things where it’s hard to please everybody, unfortunately.
At least some of us try…. but not all.
If you let something like this get you sad I suggest you take a closer look at how tolerant YOU are of others. I think people do need to be considerate of other cultures but 1) I am not Christian either but still celebrate Christmas. It is a commercialized holiday that, to me, has nothing to do with Jesus anymore. I think a lot of people feel the same way so sawing “Merry Christmas” is not some ploy to convert you to Christianity and 2) If someone celebrates a holiday and wants to share THEIR celebration with you, YOU need to be tolerant of their culture.religion. I don’t take offense to that and if someone does get up in arms I think THEY are the intolerant ones.
PS…If someone says “Merry Christmas” to you and you want to say something else you should be able to say “happy holidays” or whatever back to them without them getting offended.
To each his own anyway. I hope you have a happy holiday…however you celebrate it. I think we can all agree it is nice to spend some time with friends and family or just to recharge your own batteries.
Jeez, Could you save the anger blast for somewhere else please? Thank you.
Sorry…it is no anger. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is mine…right after I woke up and hadn’t had my coffee yet. Sorry 🙂
Besides, I saw on Twitter the other day that you liked controversial comments on your blog because it brings the comment/page views up. Maybe you were just talking about that one lady. My mistake.
Sorry…it is not anger. It was more of a general statement about people being more tolerant. I think everyone needs to be more tolerant of others in this world. I think that is what your friend was getting at anyway.
I think everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is mine…right after I woke up and hadn’t had my coffee yet. Sorry. I didn’t mean to send the hate vibe to your friend. That is not where my heart was at all. Tell her I am sorry please. I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. I would take the comment back if I could. I see how I could have written it to better reflect what I was really trying to say.
Very Well Said! Dee Dee!
Thank you!!!
This is going to be my first christmas, I’m really looking forward to it. My dad says we’ll make it extra special this year because I’m the new edition to the family.
Well said dear Dede. Although I am not a Christian, I love this Christmas time, maybe because of my childhood days… When I was a little girl we were living in Germany. And I really wish to be in Europe especially during Christmas time. The relationships, and the meaning of these days are amazing. I wish you to have a nice Christmas, with my love, nia
It is sad that people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I think those that like to say Merry Christmas are just trying to remind everyone of the true meaning behind this holiday and do not mean to exclude anyone. Because this time of year has been turned into a marketing ploy to get people to spend more money, many Christians feel that fact has been forgotten. As evident also in the rude and unfriendly spirit some have with the stress of the commercial hustle and bustle of the season. None of which is very Christian or Christ like at all!
Love,
Christy (Payton’s mom)
Well said DeDe! We think that no matter what holiday you celebrate or what you say to wish someone a great holiday that it should just be filled with family, love, and fun!
Great advice DeDe.. spot on. 🙂