jackiedoherty.org

Look, I get it. I get that some people insist on saying Merry Christmas to everybody, almost in an in-your-face way. I even get that some folks feel pressure NOT to say it and that’s annoying too. After all, it is a major Christian holiday—although not as important as Easter even if it is more commercial, profit driven and viable in the social marketplace. The point is what if you choose not to say MC and instead use HH? Shouldn’t that be okay too? From where I sit, as an actively practicing Christian, I do not say Merry Christmas carte blanche out of respect for my non-Christian friends and family. (I choose to be Christian, but I also respect your right to choose your own path to God—or not.) In other words, I use those two words selectively—not out of fear that I am not being politically correct. Heck, it has become politically incorrect to use Happy Holidays these days—as if you have somehow compromised your beliefs for the latest fashion statement. To me, it’s like wishing you Happy Anniversary when it’s your birthday. If you are not Christian, the words are imprecise, and for someone who fancies herself a wordsmith (always looking for the perfect word in any situation) that won’t do. So, if you get a card for me, it will say something generic, like HH, with a personal addition of Merry Christmas only if it’s appropriate. Oh never mind, there’s no time left anyway: I’m going to send a Happy New Year card in January. Shalom…Namaste…whatever.

This got a little lost in the furor over the superintendent search, but Wednesday night was Kevin McHugh’s final meeting after 10 years on the commitee. LTC had put together a fine video of appreciation which was shown at the beginning of the meeting and which included kind words from his colleagues on the board, as well as top school department officials, including Dr. Baehr and Deputy Superintendents Jean Franco and Anne Murphy.  Kevin’s son sat next to him at the meeting, witnessing his father’s final votes, speeches and motions.  It was nice to see since obviously Kevin’s service on the committee must have had a huge impact on his family – all those Wednesday nights out, sub-committee meetings and events that elected officials must attend.  One can only say a heartfelt thank you to those who choose to serve the community in this manner, especially when their motives are simply to contribute their best efforts for the good of the school children and families of Lowell.