Season's Greetings

I love this time of year, gearing up from right before Thanksgiving thru Christmas, Kwanzaa and on to the New Year. Most people are more generous, compassionate and thoughtful of others. We volunteer a little more, give to the less fortunate more frequently in these few weeks, than the rest of the entire year. Many, begin taking stock of themselves spiritually, and make resolutions to improve certain things about themselves and their lives for the New Year. 

This time of years brings many debates and discussion on a Spiritual versus Religious platform. It's pretty much agreed upon that Jesus wasn't born on December 25th & that Santa originally had nothing to do with Christmas, AND that Christmas itself has become very commercialized. Nevertheless all of these things do not diminish the essence of the Season. Our families come together, We talk to our children a little more about the creator, and think about more than the every day hustle. Even the littlest ones learn a little about why it's important to do the right thing. That there are rewards for those who live righteously. Due to the economic downturn in recent years we found ways to become creative with our gift giving, and encouraging our children learned to be happy with getting a little less, while appreciating what they already have even more.


It is my belief that one doesn't have to be Christian in order to appreciate & participate the Christmas Holiday. It is not a belief shared by several members of my family and close circle of friends, which brings me to my current topic of discussion. Do the words Spiritual and Religious still go hand in hand? Is it possible to be Spiritual without necessarily subscribing to any given Religion? Does one have to be Muslim, Christian or Jewish in order to get into heaven? Does an awareness of the Creator and trying to do more good in the world than bad count? Are we supposed to believe in what our parents believed in because it's what we were taught? Are we required to teach it to our children? Or can we teach our children about the God & Blessings, Sins & Karma, introduce them to all Religions that pique their interest, leaving the ultimate decision up to them?