As always, look for a great selection of blog posts, videos and pictures. Another great job done by Cat.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads this blog, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  The same goes to all my family and all of our soldiers and sailors. Merry Christmas to all.

There’ll be light posting for the next two days for obvious reasons, but we’ll be back to hitting hard issues by Wednesday or Thursday. (If I’m over the effects of big dinners and eggnogg.)

Be sure to check out my Christmas Eve podcast as well as the Christmas Episode of the Old Time Dragnet Show featuring the Big Little Jesus, and Christmas thoughts on the Freedom Christ brings. Also, a Bible Study on the freedom Christmas brings.

I’m adding a new rule. No, Christmas shopping guides. Last year, we had a huge proliferation of these somewhat spammy blog posts, and I would rather not repeat this in this year’s edition. So here are the rules and general purpose of the Carnival:

In World War I, British and German soldiers broke into a ceasefire around Christmas. Such is the power of that great day on our calendar.

Sadly, there is no ceasefire in the Culture War for Christmas. With the coming of December, armies of Lawyers are lined up on both sides ready to join battle in the War for Christmas.

Some desire to wipe Christmas out for the generic Holidays. Yet, call me old-fashioned, or call me part of the large mass of Americans who still celebrates Christmas. The Holidays are a time of great stress, debt, and money problems. The Holidays are a time when stores get more inventive in finding ways to part you and your money.

Yet, Christmas is something altogether different. I remember two things about Christmas. The first is that it was the birth of Jesus. Given what He means to Christians as our savior, that’s reason enough for us to celebrate.

The second thing that stands out about Christmas is that it was a time of goodness. You’d see a little bit more kindness from friends and family. People would be more understanding. People buy toys for children they don’t know, and fill food banks and rescue missions. Christmas is a time of redemption. In “The Christmas Carol,” each year millions watch Ebenezer Scrooge be given a second chance and actually change.

Each year millions who stay away from Church all year, come on Christmas. For some its tradition, a tie to what their family has always done. For others, its a hunger for goodness that overwhelms all else and leads them to search for that Star the magi followed so long ago.

Christmas in our culture, in addition to the birth of Christ, represents all that is good, holy, and beautiful. It calls us to be better people, it calls us to our best. It calls us to wonder, love, and compassion. Christmas means something beyond materialism, beyond political correctness.

So we’re pleased to announce the third Carnival of Christmas and invite you to make a blog post about Christmas and send it in. I accept podcasts, photoblog entires, and Video Blogs entries as well.

The ground rules are simple:

1) The post should be about Christmas. While I respect those who celebrate other holidays, it can become a big jumble if you throw everything in. People are welcome to start a “Carnival of Haunakah” or a “Carnival of Kwanzaa” and I’ll be happy to link to them from here. In fact, I’m actively looking for a Jewish blogger to host a Carnival of Haunakah, so if you’re interested e-mail me

2) Posts do not have to be explicitly Christian, but needs to be respectful of Christianity.

3) Posts should not contain objectionable or immoral content.

4) Posts should be made in a Spirit of Christmas cheer. The Christmas Carnival is a “no cynicism” zone.

5) No Bashing political opponents. (What part of Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men don’t you understand?)

6) No Shopping Guides. Christmas shopping stories are okay, but shopping guides, in my humble opinion, place the emphasis in the wrong place.

7) Deadline: You have until Midnight MDT on December 22rd to send your Carnival Submissions.

Linkbacks are appreciated but not required. (For it is more blessed to give than to receive.)

9) All Blogs are welcome to participate regardless of political affiliation.

10) I’m not setting an arbitrary limit on posts this year, but I will ask you to designate a favorite post in case we get too many submissions, we’ll only post one per person.

You can submit your post using the Blog Carnival form Posts that do not adhere to guidelines will not be allowed and there won’t be an e-mail sent back. Please be sure your post applies to our standards.

Also, please e-mail me if you have suggestions for photographs, YouTube videos, or famous Christmas quotes to use in the carnival.

Now, let’s have a great carnival, people.

As with last year, I’d like to urge support for Charitable organizations:

The Salvation Army
Operation Blessing
Catholic Charities

And let’s not forget two great Boise Charities who are well worth your support:

Boise Rescue Mission
Idaho Food Bank

I also want to acknowledge that our Jewish friends are celebrating Chanukah, and Planck’s Constant has the Carnival of Lights up to Celebrate.

This year, a movie is in theaters, that honors the true story of Christmas. My whole Sunday School class and I went to see “The Nativity” and I strongly encourage everyone to see it. Click here for showtimes in your area. Below is my podcast on “The Nativity”.

Right-o-MeterFor those into Old School, Christmas Movies, It’s a Wonderful Life is freely and legally viewable online at Google Video. (Hat tip: The )

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Spirit of Christmas:

Listen to Glenn Beck read the Story of Christmas

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
~Christina Rossetti

How is Christmas itself like a fruitcake? The Random Yak elaborates in the must-read post of this carnival

Cat at Cathouse Chat hails the Newborn King

I have a post about the nameless Shepherds who bore witness to the newborn King and why they were invited.

The Random Maniyak tells us about the prophecies of Christmas at Random Yak.

Pet at Pet’s Garden Blog explains the tradition of the Christmas Wreath

Renaissance Blogger and Gribbit provide their thoughts on the first Sunday in Advent.

Sam tells a story of true generosity in A Cute Christmas Story posted at Surfer Sam and Friends.

David at Third World County reminds us that there’s always room for Christ in Christmas.

Kenton Whitman presents some ways to make Christmas last all year in A Zen Helper for Christmas posted at kentonwhitman.com — Zen-Inspired Self Development.

Xyba got out of the “normal” Christmas rut and found a way to observe the Season that’s an example to us all in A New Christmas Tradition posted at Once More Into the Breach.

The Yoest Family sends us wishes for a Merry Christmas.

Charity:

“Blessed is the season which engages the
whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Kate Baggott presents A Christmas Gift for Readers posted at Babylune and the more people who visit the site, the greater her gift to readers (and the third world will be be.)You can give your own gift at World Vision’s catalog.

Christmas Music and Poetry:

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Micah Redding gives us his Favorite Christmas Carol posted at The Redding Brothers Blog and it’s a great one.

David at Third World County gives his thought on a wonderful Christmas song, The Gift of Gifts and with a tip of the cap to Humphrey Bogart, he plays it again, Sam with his song, “The Gift”

Cathouse Chat has high praise for Michael Smith’s rendention of the beautiful “Sing We Now of Christmas.”

Angel of Woman Honor Thyself tells us about some Christmas songs written by Jewish people.

David introduces us to some classic songs of the Season in Thursday Thirteen, 1.12: 13 Christmas Carols posted at third world county.

I let you know what I’m listening to.

A Very Sci-Fi Christmas:

Miss Cellania has done a lot of work putting together a carnivalesque Sci-Fi Christmas post at her place. It’s so good. It deserves a category of its own.

Christmas Memories and Traditions:

“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to
the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the
old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport
the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!”
~Charles Dickens

Angelo de los Angeles provides a wonderful photo guide to their Christmas Traditions posted at pomdla.

Laura Lee Donoho tells a touching story about her great grandmother in Nanny and the Christmas Birds posted at The Wide Awake Cafe.

Leticia Velasquez tells us how what she buys every year keeps her in the true Christmas Spirit in cause of our joy: What I buy every year for Christmas posted at cause of our joy.

Kevin submitted this piece by Stacey Schifferdecker, who has tips for creating a memorable Christmas in Simple Holiday Joys posted at Kevin Heath – More4kids Inc..

Marty Weil presents Whitman’s WWI General Santa posted at ephemera.

David Parker introduces us to some children Born on Christmas Day posted at Another History Blog.

Michelle tells the story of a mishap with a reindeer in Ghosts of Christmas Past #1: Rudolph with Your Nose So Bright posted at scribbit.

jen tells a love story of Christmas in Belize in one plus two: mangoes roasting on an open firepit posted at one plus two.

Vineeta Chopra her Top Five Holiday Movie Classics posted at the conscious pursuit of a good life.

Humor

Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas.-Johnny Carson

Suldog has a worthy cause for you to “donate” to in a classic case of, “One man’s doorstop is another man’s delicacy.” Learn more in Suldog’s Home For Wayward Fruitcakes posted at Suldog-O-Rama.

Sara of Sarakastic presents Why being single at Christmas rocks. Dipping Cheetos in Ice Cream is near the top of her list.

Madeleine Begun Kane presents some rules for husbands and wives to follow in order to avoid creating Office Party Follies posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.

Jennifer Miner presents What Not to Buy for Christmas: This holiday season’s worst gift ideas. posted at Suite 101.

Christmas Shopping and Finances:

This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols. But the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift — the Christ.-Frank McKibben

Your host, Adam Graham presents a way to keep Christmas shopping in perspective, read Remembering the Things that Matter Most at Christmastime posted at Bargain Value.

lilsurfergirl presents some timely advice for you last minute Christmas Shoppers in 10 Steps To Stress-free Christmas Shopping posted at lilsurfergirl.

Local Girl shows us some Hawaiian Christmas gifts in Christmas Gifts of Aloha posted at An Island Life.

For those of you who forgot the wrapping paper or don’t want to spring for it in the first place, Will Chen presents Stylish but Cheap Gift Warp Ideas posted at Wise Bread.

Nicki showcases Educational Christmas Toys posted at Home School Central.

Dan Harris alerts us to a Christmas scam in China: Ipods For $50. PS3 For $75. Wii For $100. PS3s and Xboxes For $150. Who You Kidding? posted at China Law Blog.

Bryan C. Fleming points out how some Money In The Bank can create a less stressful Christmas, posted at Bryan C. Fleming.

Stefanie celebrates the joys of Christmas plates in ‘Tis the Season posted at Random Encounter of We.

Maureen has that perfect present for the afterlife in A Casket For Christmas? posted at Empty Nest.

Jess has some Christmas Gift Ideas posted at Mommy Babble.

Julia Dorofeeva presents How to celebrate Christmas at your Dating Site! posted at Online Dating Blog.

Stefan presents cold hard facts about German Christmas Shopping posted at German Impressions.

Jennifer Miner presents Christmas gifts that are non-starters in The Jack Spade Frog Dissection Kit: Of the bad holiday gift ideas, this one is in a category of its own. posted at Suite 101.

Jennifer Miner presents Top Luxury Holiday Vacations: Christmas in Maui, and other great holiday travel ideas. posted at Suite 101.

j random american presents Gift Guide for Real Geeks of all Ages posted at Ideas in Progress.

Thanks so much to Random Yak the Christmas Alliance, and Reasoned Audacity for their help promoting this. Last year, we had a lot of late entries and I was a stickler for rules.

This year, I’ll be more charitable. If you’ve got a post that meets the Guidelines, link to us and trackback to it and you will be added at the bottom under late posts.

Merry Christmas.

Third World County linked with a late post entitled Christmas Memories.

Graciously linked by Don Surber, Mensa Barbie Welcomes You, The Lost Genre Guild, Hang Right Politics, and Caos

Christmas

—–

—–

—–

In World War I, British and German soldiers broke into a ceasefire around Christmas. Such is the power of that great day on our calendar.

Sadly, there is no ceasefire in the Culture War for Christmas. With the coming of December, armies of Lawyers are lined up on both sides ready to join battle in the War for Christmas.

Some desire to wipe Christmas out for the generic Holidays. Yet, call me old-fashioned, or call me part of the large mass of Americans who still celebrates Christmas. The Holidays are a time of great stress, debt, and money problems. The Holidays are a time when stores get more inventive in finding ways to part you and your money.

Yet, Christmas is something altogether different. I remember two things about Christmas. The first is that it was the birth of Jesus. Given what He means to Christians as our savior, that’s reason enough for us to celebrate.

The second thing that stands out about Christmas is that it was a time of goodness. You’d see a little bit more kindness from friends and family. People would be more understanding. People buy toys for children they don’t know, and fill food banks and rescue missions. Christmas is a time of redemption. In “The Christmas Carol,” each year millions watch Ebenezer Scrooge be given a second chance and actually change.

Each year millions who stay away from Church all year, come on Christmas. For some its tradition, a tie to what their family has always done. For others, its a hunger for goodness that overwhelms all else and leads them to search for that Star the magi followed so long ago.

Christmas in our culture, in addition to the birth of Christ, represents all that is good, holy, and beautiful. It calls us to be better people, it calls us to our best. It calls us to wonder, love, and compassion. Christmas means something beyond materialism, beyond political correctness.

So we’re pleased to announce the first ever Carnival of Christmas and invite you to make a blog post about Christmas and send it in. I accept podcasts, photoblog entires, and Video Blogs entries as well.

The ground rules are simple:

1) The post should be about Christmas. While I respect those who celebrate other holidays, it can become a big jumble if you throw everything in. People are welcome to start a “Carnival of Haunakah” or a “Carnival of Kwanzaa” and I’ll be happy to link to them from here. In fact, I’m actively looking for a Jewish blogger to host a Carnival of Haunakah, so if you’re interested e-mail me

2) Posts do not have to be explicitly Christian, but needs to be respectul of Christianity.

3) Posts should not contain objectionable or immoral content.

4) Posts should be made in a Spirit of Christmas cheer. The Christmas Carnival is a “no cynicism” zone.

5) No Bashing political opponents. (What part of Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men don’t you understand?)

6) Deadline: You have until Midnight MDT on December 22rd to send your Carnival Submissions.

7) Linkbacks are appreciated but not required. (For it is more blessed to give than to receive.)

All Blogs are welcome to participate regardless of political affiliation.

9) I’m not setting an arbitrary limit on posts this year, but I will ask you to designate a favorite post in case we get too many submissions, we’ll only post one person.

You can submit your post using the Blog Carnival form Posts that do not adhere to guidelines will not be allowed and there won’t be an e-mail sent back. Please be sure your post applies to our standards.

Also, please e-mail me if you have suggestions for photographs, YouTube videos, or famous Christmas quotes to use in the carnival.

Now, let’s have a great carnival, people.

Linked by the ever faithful Romeo Cat at Cathouse Chat

Linked to The Christmas Alliance

Christmas

—–

As this is a season of Giving, we’ll start off with some great charities that you can support this Christmas Season:

National Charities:

The following charities do great work for the poor and needy in America and around the world.

The Salvation Army
Operation Blessing
Catholic Charities

In America, Christians can still freely celebrate Christmas. In other countries, that’s not the case as dear people face torture and death for their faith. At this time of year, its appropriate to remember them:

Voice of the Martyrs

World Serve Read my Blog post on their lights of Christmas Campaign.

I’m honored to be a resident of Boise were good people are doing incredible things. I’d like to introduce you to two great charities giving a helping hand to the people of the Treasure Valley. While I understand most readers aren’t from Idaho, but Americans often give to help people in other lands, why not people in other states? I’m proud of these two local charities and think they deserve as much support as they can get.

The Boise Rescue Mission: They minister to the homeless of the Treasure Valley. They don’t just give them a fish, they teach them how to fish so they can eat and survive for a lifetime. They’ve just expanded their ministry, taking over a city run homeless shelter on a lease basis with plans to buy. They’re incredible.

The Idaho Food Bank: Another group of awesome people. Idaho Food Bank helps feed the hungry of our state and they do a great job. They know how to pinch a penny until a screams. They’re the second most efficient food bank in the nation according to Charity Navigator and are worthy of your support.

Also, I do want to take this opportunity wish our Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who are celebrating that.

With that, lets get to the Carnival.

Stories

The ancient Law departs,
And all its fears remove,
For Jesus makes with faithful hearts
A covenant of love…
Today the name is Thine
At which we bend the knee.
They call Thee Jesus, Child Divine;
Our Jesus deign to be…
-Sebestan Besnault, The Ancient Law Departs

Tracey of Worship Naked admits to impersonating Santa Claus in Santa Scam Revisited.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.-Frank P. Church, The New York Sun

Don’t Mess with Taxes has a post about their annual Christmas letter tradition and how they’re using it this year to promote their blog.

By the way, have you considered the tax implications of being Santa? How’s his Portfolio doing? And what happens when tax men dress up Santa Claus to get people to pay up? Well, Don’t Mess with Taxes gives you the straight scoop in Ho, ho, ho, hand over your taxes.

Matt of From the Morning began to say Merry Christmas and found no one was offended in all. Learn more in My Merry Christmas Experiment. Absolutely wonderful post.

By the way, Different River at Different River who is Jewish explains why he doesn’t have a problem with calling it a Christmas Tree in What kind of a tree is it?

Jim “Suldog” Sullivan at Suldog-O-Rama presents A Christmas Miracle. It’s the story of A lost cat, found, and a doomed cat, saved.

Courtesy of Cat Stuff

The Spirit of Christmas:

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.-Dr. Seuss in “The Grich Who Stole Christmas”

Adam at Adam’s Blog shares Leo Tolstoy’s famous poem, The Guest which reminds us that as we do it to the least of His brethren, we’ve done unto him.

Scrooge: But Jacob, you were always a good man of business.
Marley: Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!

Romeocat brings us a simple but powerful message in a time of year that’s filled with stress in Rejoice. She then finds great theological truth in an old favorite carol in Faithful Come

What could be more Christmas like than Caroling? Pet of 100 Bloggers talks about her plans to bring a little Christmas tradition to small town in Florida in Almost Time

Humor:

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look out for the wall!’ ~Dave Barry, “Christmas Shopping: A Survivor’s Guide”

Hat tip: Quote Garden

Jim “Suldog” Sullivan at Suldog-O-Rama has A Confession. He likes fruitcake. *gasps* On the bright side, now you know where to send them.

FACT: National Fruitcake day is December 27th.

GrrlScientist at Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) presents How to Stuff a Lory During the Holidays Exotic birds are cute, but try making Christmas dinner with them around. Also fantastic pictures of the Lory.

Don Surber gives a run down on several attempts to parody a classic Christmas song in The 12 days of Christmas parodies

Poetry and Music

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

-The Little Drummer Boy

David at third world county presents The Gift, a great poem that he wrote.

Williams Burns guest blogging at Adam’s Blog has Christmas Poems including four Christmas Haikus.

Martin at Complete and Utter Poetry has Mary’s Lament, a beautiful piece of poetry taking a look at Jesus’ birth and life through the eyes of Mary.

Vanhanda at Christmas Hub presents Christmas Songs

Xyba at Once More Into the Breach explains what his favorite Christmas Carols have in common in Two Christmas Carols.

Brian Leon wonders Why are Winter Songs never sung after Christmas?

Other

Just in case you’re forgetting something in your preparations two days before Christmas, Barbara at Tidbits and Treasures has a check list.

If you’ve spent this Christmas over-stressed, you may want to consider planning for your next Christmas now. Jeffrey at Personal Finance Advice has some ideas to save money after Christmas.

Christmas Greetings:

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.-Luke 2:10

Christmas Greetings from Apollo 8 (1968)

From Wordlab

From Conservative Cat

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I thank God for bringing everyone together and inspiring me. The funny thing about this Carnival is that I’d gone to bed and put all my blog stuff away for the day and then the idea popped into my head and I knew I had to do it.

Thanks to all the posters. You guys have produced some truly awesome pieces and you ought to be proud of yourself.

Thanks to Andrea for putting up with this whole thing.

Special thanks to those who promoted the Carnival. We already mentioned Romeo Cat. Random Yak promoted this Carnival almost daily. So many posts came from people who knew David at Third World County, he was a great help. Lyn at Bloggin’ Out Loud kept a link to us on his site through the whole carnival.

Thanks to Evangelical Outpost, The Anchoress, Basil’s Blog and My cats are French for mentioning that we were seeking submissions for the Carnival. I know there are probably others and if you feel you’ve been left out, please let me know and I’ll endeavor to correct that.

For mentioning the Carnival on their blogs without even having an entry, Special Thanks to LaShawn Barber, Ogre’s Politics and News, Girl on the Right, and Riehle World Views, The Real Ugly American, Michelle Malkin, GM’s Corner, The Uncooperative Blogger, Hard Astarboard, Not My Fault, Daily Pundit, Writing Right, The Political Pitbull, Everyday Thoughts Collected, In the Right Place, All Things Beautiful, Dizzy Girl, TMH Bacon Bits, and Leslie’s Omnibus.

Thanks to those who put stuff in the public domain. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Some posts were not used because they didn’t fit the guidelines of the Carnival. If your submitted post was sent in and not included for any other reason e-mail and I’ll correct it.

Thank you so much for reading. May you have a truly blessed Christmas this year and may God grant us peace on Earth, good will toward men.

Next year’s Carnival of Christmas will be right back here at Adam’s Blog.

Merry Christmas!

Linked at Uber Carnival and Wizbang Carnival of the Trackbacks.

Special needs currently:

More Christian/religious posts on Christmas and More Christmas Greetings where you simply wish the rest of the blogosphere a Merry Christmas.

Thanks for all your support.

—–

We still need, want, and desire your posts. Please review our submissions guidelines and submit any elligible posts. (Note the submission information is at the bottom of the criteria) Posts not meeting the criteria can’t be included.

As we go into the final days, we’re really in need of some things:

1) Christmas Greetings (Only 1 submitted so far)

2) Poetry and Music (Only 4 submitted so far)

3) Spirit of Christmas (Only 2 submitted so far)

Also, we’d love to have some more religious stories for the Carnival. Tomorrow night, I’ll get to work on the template for the Carnival. I’ve got all the posts I’ve received in a word document and will be tweaking them in the blog template as well as adding some pictures and famous Christmas quotes.

One other thing I’d suggest if you don’t know what to post for the Carnival. You can find a good public domain Christmas story or poem and post it on your blog with or without commentary. In fact, that is one thing I’ll do tomorrow as with the Carnival, I’ve got kind of limited posting time.

Anyway thanks for your support and Merry Christmas.

—–

Sadly, there is no ceasefire in the Culture War for Christmas. With the coming of December, armies of Lawyers are lined up on both sides ready to join battle in the War for Christmas.

Some desire to wipe Christmas out for the generic Holidays. Yet, call me old-fashioned, or call me part of the large mass of Americans who still celebrates Christmas. The Holidays are a time of great stress, debt, and money problems. The Holidays are a time when stores get more inventive in finding ways to part you and your money.

Yet, Christmas is something altogether different. I remember two things about Christmas. The first is that it was the birth of Jesus. Given what He means to Christians as our savior, that’s reason enough for us to celebrate.

The second thing that stands out about Christmas is that it was a time of goodness. You’d see a little bit more kindness from friends and family. People would be more understanding. People buy toys for children they don’t know, and fill food banks and rescue missions. Christmas is a time of redemption. In “The Christmas Carol,” each year millions watch Ebenezer Scrooge be given a second chance.

Each year millions who stay away from Church all year, come on Christmas. For some its tradition, a tie to what their family has always done. For others, its a hunger for goodness that overwhelms all else and leads them to search for that Star the magi followed so long ago.

Christmas in our culture, in addition to the birth of Christ, represents all that is good, holy, and beautiful. It calls us to be better people, it calls us to our best. It calls us to wonder, love, and compassion. Christmas means something beyond materialism, beyond political correctness.

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.-Dr. Seuss in “The Grich Who Stole Christmas”

With that in mind, I’m launching the first ever Carnival of Christmas. Make a blog post about Christmas. I accept podcasts, photoblog entires, and would also accept Video Blogs entries as well. Submit it using either Blog Carnival or Conservative Cat’s Carnival submission forms.

The ground rules are simple:

1) The post should be about Christmas. While I respect those who celebrate other holidays, it can become a big jumble if you throw everything in. People are welcome to start a “Carnival of Haunakah” or a “Carnival of Kwanzaa” and I’ll be happy to link to them from here.

2) Posts do not have to be explicitly Christian, but needs to be respectul of Christianity.

3) Posts should not contain objectionable or immoral content.

4) Posts should be made in a Spirit of Christmas cheer. The Christmas Carnival is a “no cynicism” zone.

5) No Bashing political opponents. (What part of Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men don’t you understand?)

6) Deadline: You have until Midnight MDT on December 23rd to send your Carnival Submissions.

7) Linkbacks are appreciated but not required. (For it is more blessed to give than to receive.)

All Blogs are welcome to participate regardless of political affiliation.

Now a rundown of our categories:

1) Stories

A story about Christmas. It can be fiction or non-fiction. Ideas for stories could be things like writing about the way your family celebrated Christmas, or a funny Christmas incident. Also, historical stories of how different people celebrated Christmas.

2) Poems

Christmas poetry.

3) Prayers

Christmas prayers and devotions.

4) Podcasts

5) Pictures

Christmas pictures.

6) Parodies,

Any fun Christmas parody, just keep it clean, non-cynical, and respectful.

7) The Spirit of Christmas

Talk about what Christmas means to you. Also, you could tell us about kindness shown on Christmas (either to you or that you were able to show to others.) Or you could just talk about someone or group in your Community that’s doing something good around Christmas.

Other

If you want to participate, and don’t have anything that fits anywhere else, submit it under this category. It can be something as simple as a “Christmas Wishes” post wishing us all a Merry Christmas.

Also, if you have a worthy charity that needs support, E-mail Me and I’ll consider linking them at the top of the main Carnival of Christmas page when I put it up.

So, have a Merry Christmas and get your posts in!

UPDATE:

We now have 4 submissions which is great considering the Carnival is still more than 2 weeks away.

I’d like to recognize the following people for promoting the Carnival of Christmas on their blogs:

Third World County
Bloggin’ Out Loud
Random Yak
Cathouse Chat (who is also doing a post on Christmas everyday.
Wizbang

Thanks for your support and get your posts in, so we can have a Merry Christmas Carnival!

Christmas

Sadly, there is no ceasefire in the Culture War for Christmas. With the coming of December, armies of Lawyers are lined up on both sides ready to join battle in the War for Christmas.

Some desire to wipe Christmas out for the generic Holidays. Yet, call me old-fashioned, or call me part of the large mass of Americans who still celebrates Christmas. The Holidays are a time of great stress, debt, and money problems. The Holidays are a time when stores get more inventive in finding ways to part you and your money.

Yet, Christmas is something altogether different. I remember two things about Christmas. The first is that it was the birth of Jesus. Given what He means to Christians as our savior, that’s reason enough for us to celebrate.

The second thing that stands out about Christmas is that it was a time of goodness. You’d see a little bit more kindness from friends and family. People would be more understanding. People buy toys for children they don’t know, and fill food banks and rescue missions. Christmas is a time of redemption. In “The Christmas Carol,” each year millions watch Ebenezer Scrooge be given a second chance.

Each year millions who stay away from Church all year, come on Christmas. For some its tradition, a tie to what their family has always done. For others, its a hunger for goodness that overwhelms all else and leads them to search for that Star the magi followed so long ago.

Christmas in our culture, in addition to the birth of Christ, represents all that is good, holy, and beautiful. It calls us to be better people, it calls us to our best. It calls us to wonder, love, and compassion. Christmas means something beyond materialism, beyond political correctness.

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.-Dr. Seuss in “The Grich Who Stole Christmas”

With that in mind, I’m launching the first ever Carnival of Christmas. Make a blog post about Christmas. I accept podcasts, photoblog entires, and would also accept Video Blogs entries as well. Submit it using either Blog Carnival or Conservative Cat’s Carnival submission forms.

The ground rules are simple:

1) The post should be about Christmas. While I respect those who celebrate other holidays, it can become a big jumble if you throw everything in. People are welcome to start a “Carnival of Haunakah” or a “Carnival of Kwanzaa” and I’ll be happy to link to them from here.

2) Posts do not have to be explicitly Christian, but needs to be respectul of Christianity.

3) Posts should not contain objectionable or immoral content.

4) Posts should be made in a Spirit of Christmas cheer. The Christmas Carnival is a “no cynicism” zone.

5) No Bashing political opponents. (What part of Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men don’t you understand?)

6) Deadline: You have until Midnight MDT on December 23rd to send your Carnival Submissions.

7) Linkbacks are appreciated but not required. (For it is more blessed to give than to receive.)

All Blogs are welcome to participate regardless of political affiliation.

Now a rundown of our categories:

1) Stories

A story about Christmas. It can be fiction or non-fiction. Ideas for stories could be things like writing about the way your family celebrated Christmas, or a funny Christmas incident. Also, historical stories of how different people celebrated Christmas.

2) Poems

Christmas poetry.

3) Prayers

Christmas prayers and devotions.

4) Podcasts

5) Pictures

Christmas pictures.

6) Parodies,

Any fun Christmas parody, just keep it clean, non-cynical, and respectful.

7) The Spirit of Christmas

Talk about what Christmas means to you. Also, you could tell us about kindness shown on Christmas (either to you or that you were able to show to others.) Or you could just talk about someone or group in your Community that’s doing something good around Christmas.

Other

If you want to participate, and don’t have anything that fits anywhere else, submit it under this category. It can be something as simple as a “Christmas Wishes” post wishing us all a Merry Christmas.

Also, if you have a worthy charity that needs support, E-mail Me and I’ll consider linking them at the top of the main Carnival of Christmas page when I put it up.

So, have a Merry Christmas and get your posts in!

Open Trackback:

Obligatory Anecdotes
Rempelia Prime
Left Coaster
Right Wing Nation
Third World County
The Political Teen
Choose Life
Basil’s Blog
Diane’s Stuff
Jos Cafe
Stop the ACLU
Macstanbury
Wizbang Carnival of the Trackbacks

Blogs Talking about this:
Random Yak
Bloggin Out Loud
Carnival Buzz
Cathouse Chat

Cathouse Chat is also endeavouring to make at least one Christmas related post per day through the 25th or the 26th. You go! Good luck and God bless.

Christmas