He is the reason for the season and has been long before I was born in Texas way back in 1941. I was raised knowing this time of year was all about Christ, our Savior who died for our sins on the cross. I grew up being taught He was the son of the Father God. I could never deny Him or knowing what I know. I was raised by my mom as my father passed when I was about 15 years of age.

As a young child knowing about Christmas and what it really means gave hope to all families especially large families who struggled to get everything they had. We were told our help came from the Lord, our Father. We were taught early in life to pray and ask him to give us what we needed not what we wanted or wished for but needed. We were so poor we never owned a TV (black & white) nor able to put up a Christmas tree with lights and presents under it. We had one candle lite in the window.

Somehow we managed to get a few presents brought by and dropped off at our house by friends and neighbors who cared. Many of them would say, "This is what God told us to do"! We were very thankful to them and to God. There are still young kids today that have nothing but they know it's Christmas time. We have groups in my city that collect unwrapped toys to be distributed to less fortunate kids. That's a great service in any city. There will always be less fortunate people in this world just like I and many other kids were 60 years ago.

Obviously each person in America has a right and freedom to speak and call this time of year what they wish. To me it will always be Christmas and the New Year's Day on 1 January each year. Having that freedom I don't say holiday tree, it's a Christmas tree to me. I don't use holiday paper to wrap my gifts it's Christmas gift wrapping paper by the rolls with bows. I could never work in a commercial business that tells me I can't say Merry Christmas either. I fought too hard and long in Vietnam to be denied that right in America. I do respect all people living in America with different beliefs as that's their rights too. Just don't deny me my rights in the process that I've had all my life!

I will say if and when I know another person is of a certain religion or belief I respect that and will or would greet them accordingly where ever we happen to be. That's respect! I don't down anybody and I try to live by my principles I have known all my life. I think and feel I'm a friendly person, a man of color, raised by a wonderful woman who taught me all she knew how to be good and treat other people. If any members here are hurt by what I've said here in expressing my views, I'm sorry and please send me a message, we can solve our differences peacefully, OK? Have a very Merry Christmas or Hanukkah (Pilgrims landed 1620), Boxing Day (Canada) or Kwanzaa and Happy New Year's Day January 1st.

Fred!