Thanks Irene - I did say that I knew she was not being intentionally offensive - but you understand how people like myself and my mother are often put to the test around this time of year, and are approached by people who want us to 'justify" our belief/non-belief/other belief system to many people, most of whom call themselves Christian.

It does get tiring, and occasionally I get oversensitive. I know I need not explain or justify any of my activities, but I did feel a bit slagged by that choice of words about what is sacred to me.

My mother and sister and I have a habit of substituting the word "thing" for objects, ideas, or other matters when we can't recall the proper term - but , when online, I would check with at least wiki to be sure of my terms. It is only decent to try not to hurt someone's feelings, even unintentionally, and even if I am part of a minority here.

I do thank Heather and Patty for at least acknowledging that there is a pagan celebration which semi-coincides with the Christian one.