Gordon Clay here. This is a time for many religious celebrations. For Muslims it's Eid al-Adha (a dah ag dah). The Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, the Jews Hanukkah, the Pagans Winter Solstice and the Christians Saint Nicholas Day, Las Posadas and Christmas. Of all of these, Christmas seems to be the only one we hear about.

We hear some Christians complain that the only Federal holiday focused on a religion, their religion, isn't enough. They want everyone to wish them a Merry Christmas and they want Nativity scenes on public display everywhere. If that is really important, maybe they should insure that their churches put one in their own front lawns. That hasn't happened at any Brookings Church in recent history. I guess it's not really that important.

One reason may be that Oregon ranks as the 46th least religious state (http://bit.ly/125KDXT) and the number of residents affiliated with any religious congregation represent only 35% in Del Norte County while Curry County can't even muster 20%. (http://bit.ly/rOqTDI)

Winter Solstice is on what some people say will be the last day for humans on Earth - better get ready. That's tomorrow. The Solstice celebration is thousands of years old and is said to be the reason the Church set Christmas on the 25th. To make it easier to indoctrinate more pagans.

Why not move the commercial day of Christmas to December 6th which is becoming a popular alternative day for gift giving to de-commercialize the celebration of Christ's birth. It celebrates St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Then move the birth of Christ to January 6th, the date many theologians believe to be his actual birth.

That being said, I wish you all a Happy Holiday - which ever one you choose.