Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

I'd planned to post cheery Christmas greetings, links to holiday-related cleverness I've seen recently, and musings on the tone of the whole "War On Christmas" thing. Well, like most of my plans for this week, I'm probably not going to get to most of what I'd planned to write. (Some of it will keep for next year though!)

Tomorrow I shall either be too unwell to leave the house (much like today), or busy with family celebrations (wish me luck!), so in case I haven't time in the morning (and in case nobody else is reading LiveJournal tomorrow), I wanted to get something out tonight anyhow. And I think I've found it in someone else's words, which saves me a lot of editing and worrying about phrasing and such. howardtayler, the author/artist of Schlock Mercenary, wrote the following in his note-from-the-author for today:

[...] There are those, of course, who will take offense at "Merry Christmas" AND "Happy Holidays." [...] as a writer whose global audience almost certainly includes at least a couple of these people, I'm led to ponder what kind of greeting I could offer, what kind of message I could post that would be appropriate, inoffensive, and yet full of meaning.

I think I've found one. Worshippers of Christ will find it timely, and will see it as a reminder of who they are and what they should be about. Those familiar with the Christian message will certainly recognize it, but will find it difficult to argue with. Those unfamiliar with the lore of the season may wonder a bit at the wording, but will have a difficult time arguing with the sentiment.

And so it is that I hope you all enjoy peace on Earth, good will towards men.

I don't think there's a 'permalink' for it yet, but it should be visible on the front page (current day's strip) of the Schlock Mercenary web site for at least the next few days, if you want to read the whole thing.

One more wish: I'll echo madfilkentist, who -- in honour of Newton's birthday -- wrote: "Don't forget Newton's laws of physics when out there in holiday traffic." (And that's why I'm reluctant to hit the Interstates with a migraine.)