I’m not a guy who thrives on controversy.  In fact, I’ve grown weary lately of news stories reporting on the latest scandal with breathless excitement.  And, I have to say, I’m a little weary of all the controversy surrounding saying “Merry Christmas” to someone. 

Or “Happy Holidays.” 

Or “Season’s Greetings.“

Or “Happy Hanukkah.“

Or any other wish of good cheer.  Seriously, I don’t think anyone is REALLY offended by those phrases, are they?  It’s not like someone is saying to you “Eat dirt!” This is a time of year to spread good cheer and tidings of joy.  Let’s not mess it up struggling to be offended by it.  Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  Season’s Greetings!  Happy Hanukkah!  Happy New Year too!

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”–Calvin Coolidge

Some of my favorite things about the Holidays are all the TV specials and movies.  Love the animated Peanuts specials, the claymation specials about Rudolph & Santa, and, of course, who doesn’t love the story of the Grinch?!

There’s nothing like all the marathons on New Year’s Day either.  It’s great to flip back & forth between the Twilight Zone Marathon and the Monk Marathon, kicking back, re-couping from the night before.

And movies?  I can’t go the season without seeing A Christmas Story, It’s A Wonderful Life or Christmas Vacation.  Here’s a website you might like if you’re a Holiday movie fan. Besides great Christmas music, there’s nothing like a good Holiday movie to put you in the right mood for the season.

The 10 best movies to watch this holiday season, according to www.christmasmovies.net.

1. “It’s A Wonderful Life”
2. “A Christmas Story”
3. “Miracle On 34th Street”
4. “A Christmas Carol”
5. “Holiday Inn”
6. “Bad Santa”
7. “The Ref”
8. “Home Alone”
9. “Christmas In Connecticut”
10. “Christmas Vacation”

What is your favorite Holiday movie or show?  Comment below.

“Every great film should seem new every time you see it.”–Roger Ebert