Tree time Comments on Stories, posted by Editor, Pleasanton Weekly Online, on Oct 14, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Workers began unraveling more than 20,000 Christmas lights this morning, spiraling them around the branches of five large trees in Civic Park downtown.
The lights are hung in mid-October in an attempt to beat the first rains of the season, according to city spokeswoman Joanne Hall. This year, the trees are being decorated with a new decor package that includes 20,000 warm, white lights, Hall said.
Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 11:16 AM
Posted by Mary, a resident of the Vineyard Hills neighborhood, on Oct 15, 2008 at 9:21 am
Christmas is a magical part of my childhood, my children's childhood, and I hope my grandchildren's childhood; no one has the right to rob a whole country of our traditions!
We worry so much about everyone else's culture that we have risked sacrificing our own!
My family will be dressed in Christmas attire as we watch the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree. At the Christmas parade I will wish everyone I see a sincere Merry Christmas, and I will accept with the spirit intended anyone else's greeting of the Christmas season.
Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:17 am
The above posts signed "Cholo" are not mine.
I have never celebrated Christmas but I've always had neighbors that do. It's OK with me. I'm not Christian but if you wanna have fun, then have fun.
Many friends have wished me a Merry Christmas over the years and I'm not offended. I don't especially appreciate all the fuss about Christmas and the craziness over gifts.
I also don't appreciate all the drinking because it usually results in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
Often, the Christmas decorations seem unnecessary.
It's really none of my business. Enjoy the season.
Posted by Mary, a resident of the Vineyard Hills neighborhood, on Oct 15, 2008 at 4:38 pm
If anyone wishes me a Happy Hanukkah or Happy Winter Solstice I will happily accept the greeting of good wishes and they should do the same if I wish them a Merry Christmas.
Yes, the Christmas holiday is an important cultural celebration, I won't think less of you if you don't celebrate with us, but don't try to take it away from those of us that do.
Thank you Cholo for your reasonable comments, I don't like the gift part much either.
Posted by Beth, a resident of the Foothill Place neighborhood, on Oct 15, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Mary,
Thanks for your response but you didn't answer my question.
I'll rephrase: Isn't the purpose of wishing someone a "merry Christmas" to hope they have a MERRY CHRISTMAS? Then why would you wish it to someone who you knew didn't celebrate Christmas? Or do you not know anyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas?:
And how exactly is anyone taking Christmas away from you?
I never get an answer to either of those questions - just more hyperbole...I doubt I'll get an answer this time either...
Posted by Jerry, a resident of the Oak Hill neighborhood, on Oct 16, 2008 at 12:50 am
Many citizens celebrate cultural holidays that I don't celebrate. If they say "Happy(you pick a holiday)" to me, I simply, cheerfully, say "Thank you" and move on. Try it, it isn't hard...
Why not be grateful they included you in their holiday spirit. I always assume it's done in the spirit of friendship...
Posted by Yikes!, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 18, 2008 at 11:27 pm
"We worry so much about everyone else's culture that we have risked sacrificing our own!"
Mary, I couldn't agree more. I am not religious, but Christmas is a huge part of my CULTURE. And they called them "Christmas Lights" because that's what they are - they are being put on a TREE....for CHRISTMAS.
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