Editor: 

Sue Draper believes “Christmas is what it is.” I agree.

My distant colonial ancestors and cousins considered Christmas pagan and popish. In 1659, Massachusetts forbade, under the fine of 5 shillings per offense, the observance “of any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forebearing of labour, feasting, or any such way.” The Assembly of Connecticut, in the same period, prohibited the reading of the Book of Common Prayer, the keeping of Christmas and saints’ days, the making of mince pies, the playing of cards, or performing on any musical instruments. Unless it occurred on Sunday, Christmas was just another day of work. Any celebration was heretical and blasphemy.

Thus, Merry Christmas “or” Happy Holidays to everyone.

Byron Edwards
Idyllwild/Riverside