I bid all my Christian friends a happy Christmas. It’s unfortunate that such a fun holiday has been used as a political football, with people alleging they’re prohibited from saying “Merry Christmas,” and therefore being “persecuted” for their religion, a whine perpetuated by Fox “News” and Rush Limbaugh. This comes from the realization that there are other religious traditions in this country, and they are all deserving of respect and recognition. Still, I enjoy ALL the holidays-hey, why not, ’tis the season, as the saying goes.

Next up in New Year’s Day; I perform the tradition of  New Year’s resolutions, which I also do for my birthday (August First, if you’re wondering), Rosh ha-Shona, and Pesach. Here are my resolutions for 2015:

I will continue to conduct myself with self-love, self-esteem, and self-respect; I will concentrate primarily on the positive elements of my life, and have confidence in myself and my abilities.

I will continue to know the love of women and the joy of sex.

I will continue to dedicate myself to various social and political movements.

I will continue to develop my art and craft as a writer, attending writing events and salons, sending out my writing to editors, practicing writing, reading writing literature, etc.

I will continue my spiritual practices such as mediation, prayer, affirmations, Torah study, among others.

And if I think of any more, I’ll work on them. A happy new year to all.