Writings have appeared on the Doves, as before, about the evils of celebrating pagan holidays
such as Halloween and Christmas.

However, what if one's family celebrates--is one to NOT attend secular Christmas gatherings?

In my family, I am one of two grandmothers to the children.  I attend.  The other grandmother is
so "pure" that she will no longer visit or be visited by the children or their parents on any day of
the year.  She wrote them a letter cutting them off, said she could never see them again because
they have abandoned the faith of their fathers.

I feel that Jesus is fine with me going to open presents with my grandchildren on Christmas.  Since
Jesus' is not mentioned in that household, I don't have to tell them this is not Jesus' birthday.  They will
hear about it at school, as they have heard about God at school, thank God for the talk of children.  Even
though it may not be legal for Christ to be celebrated in school, the children talk and tell the gospel,
the children who come from Christian homes.  This is how I myself learned most of what I knew about
Jesus and the Bible--from children at school many years ago.

Christmas is one of the few days of the year when Jesus even slips into the information mix in some
homes. Let Him come whenever He will!

As for Halloween, I will not decorate for it as most of my neighbors will. I will not scold my grandchildren
for dressing up and going door to door.  I have already told them that I like the positive costumes and
not the ghoul ones, and gradually they are learning what is good and what is bad.   But to simply tell them
they cannot trick or treat is to speak against their parents.   This cannot happen.   All contact would then
cease, or an undermining fight over these issues.

The Rules of Engagement for Christian families are not fully workable for families in which there are both
Christians and agnostics.  I choose to be present rather than being cut off.  I testify where it is possible, and that
has happened already.  I await God's timing.  He is in charge.  Thank God.