Happy Christmas

Without doing into a lot of boring details I'll just say Christmas has long been the most depressing time of year for me.  While I am still not jolly, haven't put up any decorations or such I feel pretty good about the whole affair this year.
I'm sure much has to do with my being in a different house. This "new" house while some 40 years or so of age feels like the beginning of a new stage in my life. I have enough yard to call my own that I can plant fruit trees, grape vines, gardens, have my duck yard and plenty of room for my dogs and me to play in.. The girls have already laid enough eggs that I can take Mom a dozen.
But the main thing I believe that makes this Christmas different is how I feel in my heart and soul. While He's always been there for me I wasn't always right with God. I'm not gonna preach or tell anyone how to live. All I'll say is I got right with Him. No, I don't always do right but as I often say, "I am a work in progress".
The History Channel has been airing most of the Holiday shows I'm watching dealing with the birth of Jesus and nothing to do w/ Santa, reindeer or snowmen. My Christmas Day after having lunch w/ Mom will mostly be spent  watching those, enjoying the quiet of the night (when I'm most usually awake).  I'll contemplate the 30 something years between His birth and physical death on the cross.

No matter your religion (if any) we all  can learn much from the words and deeds of  Jesus of Nazareth. I'm no great thinker of deep thoughts but 1 guy I work with did give me a pretty good compliment. He said, "You know? He's got a certain redneck wisdom sometimes."
So here's my redneck wisdom for this Christmas season and beyond.... For whatever reason; race, religion, politics, sexual preference you and I may not agree on everything. We may not even understand each others' views. But as long as you don't try to force your opinions on me I'll respect your rights to them if you'll respect mine. Worship as you wish, if you wish. Let me live in peace and I harbor no ill will towards anyone who also wishes to live in peace. Violence only begets violence.
A John Lennon song I play a lot this time of year:
Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
And one for anytime of year:
Give Peace A Chance

Happy Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, etc to all. Love your neighbor, Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all men and women.