The definition of Christmas given by the Oxford Dictionary is ‘the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.’ It does not mention ‘holiday tree’ anywhere.
Let’s see: Happy Diwali. Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukah – this is what we wish to people who celebrate whatever they celebrate. We are a multicultural country, and proud of it. Why have we become so afraid of saying the word Christmas? It is what we are celebrating, isn’t it? Being politically correct should not be confused with being polite. Good manners don’t force anyone to deny their own traditions.
There is a long list of charities, the Good Shepherd being one of them, but if you feel like donating money, charities with the highest percentage of actually donating to their charity are Salvation Army, Shriners and Terry Fox.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas, have a Merry Christmas; and to all of my kind and faithful readers, a Happy New Year.
I know you are busy this time of year, so I shall save your comments from my last newsletter for January.
Upcoming workshops in the New Year:
Kidiquette
Saturday, March 5, 2016
10 a.m. to 12 noon
100 Dowling Avenue, Toronto
$40
Teen Etiquette
Saturday, March 12, 2016
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
100 Dowling Avenue, Toronto
Includes three course lunch
and an 8-page workbook
$140; refresher $70
Adult Etiquette
Saturday, January 23, 2016
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
100 Dowling Avenue, Toronto
Includes three course lunch and quiz
and an 11-page workbook
$295, $450 for two persons
Refresher $150
Meals & Manners
Saturday, March 19, 2016
11:30 to 2 pm
David Duncan Restaurant
125 Moatfield Drive, Toronto
Includes three course lunch and quiz
$175; $300 for two persons
Refresher $100