Dear President-Elect Trump:
Merry Christmas.
I thank you for your willingness to say Merry Christmas, rather than Happy Holidays. Why? Because you celebrate Christmas in your tradition.
Chelom and I love Peter and Siri Newman and their children Sage and Parker. They were our neighbors in our Central Pennsylvania neighborhood. Siri and Peter come from Christian and Jewish heritages respectively. They have found value and meaning in continuing the traditions of each in their home.
Learning a Hanukkah carol to sing at their doorstep while presenting them with our Christmas candy was a touching moment for all of us.
They repaid the favor with Jewish Latkes and warmest Christmas greetings.
The true spirit of the holidays is peace and inclusion. Inclusiveness is not changing who we are to become acceptable to others. It is accepting each other for who we are. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply the holidays, there is room around the fire for each of us.
Oneness, not sameness–that’s the goal.
Merry Christmas!
Yours truly,
David O. Leavitt
