I wonder about the many sides of Christmas?

Does anybody else think that we (western civilization) seem to have screwed up Christmas?

It seems to me that the retail industry, with the help of TV/movies, has enabled most of us to have brain freeze when we consider the nature/meaning/purpose of the event we call Christmas.

Christmas seems to have 2 primary story-lines going on at the same time:
for Christians it is (or should I say is supposed to be) about celebrating the birth of Jesus,
for people regardless of their religious beliefs it is about buying stuff.

Then there is .....what else do you think it is about?

cowboys 37 packers 27

Wow, how bout those cowboys! That said, did anyone else find Bryant Gumble and his sidekick irritating!?!

How do you count how many kids you have?

I am 48 years old and have either 3 or 4 kids..so to speak. I am not sure how I am supposed to count now. Our daughter just got married so now I have a brand new son-in-law. Do I include him the count of the number of kids I have?

While I am at it..I have another question, when do you quit calling "grown children" kids? If not kids - then what? Adult children? offspring?help? any ideas?

Can middle aged chubby guys share their feelings?

Do you ever find yourself contemplating life? I do.

I wonder and I wander all over the place. Big thoughts and little questions....or vice versa. Coulda-woulda-shoulda-type stuff. The past-the future...and certainly the present!

Why do I contemplate life? Is it because I am what some call middle-aged? Is it because 4 years ago I had surgery for stage 3b prostate cancer? Maybe it is because my daughter just got married? Maybe it is because in my line of work I find myself most everyday listening to others who are responding to the stuff of life?!

Anyway - here goes. If you are interested in joining me in contemplating life you are welcome to jump in!