I'm so sorry that the holi days bring many down, in remembering the losses...I would like you all to know that I am a Christian, and I'm deeply involved in my studies of the word. Just wanted you all to know that,,I am a believer......About 12 years ago after a very hard 3 year study of the Greek-Hebrew edition of the Bible,,,,I gave up holi days. And Yes I have been persecuted by many for this choice. But at the same time, I have been blessed,,,I've been set free from the bondage that Satan had upon me....My Mother was the toughest on me,,after finding out that I stopped observing these holi days. But that was then,,,,,,now she has gained understanding and is seeing why I made the choice that I made. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs,,and in No way do I condemn them,,,,just wanted to let you know....Freedom of speech,,right?.....Now this being said I can go on. When I use to observe these holi days,,,,,,I would always go into a major depression,,,usually calling for hospitalization. I just couldnt handle it because I would think about my Dad who I lost back in 1988. So I began to question,,,,,,is this what my God wants,,,does he want me to drop into depression,,,,does he want me to go deeper in debt....My conclusion was,,,,It was time for me to learn the truth about each manmade holi day....For I could not afford to suffer any longer...A story about my late brother. Each year, he would have to pawn the title to his only car,,just to observe Christmas. He would put in over 20 hours overtime a week just to make ends meet,,during this holi day season.......He was always under so much stress,,,,it was unreal. He passed away from cancer at the age of 51,,,,and after a long study about cancer,,, I learned that Stress Can activate our cancer cells. So I question that often,,,,,did stress have a part in my brothers short lived life. Sure it did.......In my family we love God and our saviour Jesus Christ,,and we give year round. We honor the Father each day of the year .......It is up to each and everyone of us to search for the truth,,for as God said,,Prove All Things,,and he also said, The Truth Shall set you free.......Please if you are observing these holi days,,,,,try hard not to let the memories get you down......Try hard to tell yourself that your lost loved ones would Not want you to grieve during this time of year. If you celebrate,,,,,,,then please do just that,,,Celebrate,,,,,remember the good times,,,,be Happy that your still here to see all Gods beauty....This time of year doesnt affect me at all anymore,,,and I have only one to give thanks to,,,and that is to God. To him it is all given,,,,for if not for him,,,,I would not have been able to be set free from all the bondage that satan had upon me.....December the 25th will come and go,,just as any other day of the year,,for me....But as for instance,,my sister in law,,my late brothers wife....I just talked to her the other day,,,and this season has brought her down, so very bad...She told me that she wishes that she would die,,,,and hearing that broke my heart,,,for I love her dearly.......I had to talk to her for awhile,,,but since its Christmas,,,shes down to a level to where she wants to die........I just can't see my God being the one behind this holi day...............But God Bless you all,,,,and to all who observe this day,,,please be safe,,,,and be Happy.

Thanks for the very nice reply.Let me take the time to answer.It has been real hectic here because I am working part time as a bell ringer for the salvation army.You have to be in seattle now.The weather is real cold.We are having another snow storm and Brad will be on sick leave until May.I have been busy paying the bills and he takes care of the house.The cats love the idea that he is home and they are little stinkys.Brad wants to get a dog and it will be soon.Texan..I dont really celebrate Xmas with the tree and all.That went out when my late grandmother died on 12/26/1965.My grandmother never got to see me graduate from high school.She loved everyone of us and I do miss her.All during the years I have found out that some people can be mean.But this is life and it can be hard..but I am a much richer person all because of my grandparents and my wonderful father.The holidays can be hard..but Brad isnt the type of person to tell my problems to.But I have to learn to accept things as they are and remember that the dead can see and they guide us.Thanks.Vader.P.S.The exhibit about the Alamo will open next year..but I dont drive and the hotels in Texas are so expensive and from what I know..there is no bus service!