I HAVE missed you, and I'm not saying that just to make you feel better! Internet life feels oddly unfinished when I'm not exchanging even brief chats with you via blog or Twitter on a regular basis.
When I worked in retail, I almost always told people "have a wonderful holiday season," because really, why wouldn't we want to celebrate as many holidays as possible during winter? ANYTHING to make up for the bitter cold and lack of light! I did have a few old farmers tell me to stop being so politically correct (the problem with working in a place where customers and employees alike have known you since you were a baby - most of them forget you're at least close to an adult now, and still treat you like you're five), but most people seemed to appreciate the sentiment.
But seriously. When winter lasts close to HALF the year, you've got to do everything in your power to brighten it, including celebrating half a dozen holidays right along with Christmas.
When I worked in retail, I almost always told people "have a wonderful holiday season," because really, why wouldn't we want to celebrate as many holidays as possible during winter? ANYTHING to make up for the bitter cold and lack of light! I did have a few old farmers tell me to stop being so politically correct (the problem with working in a place where customers and employees alike have known you since you were a baby - most of them forget you're at least close to an adult now, and still treat you like you're five), but most people seemed to appreciate the sentiment.
But seriously. When winter lasts close to HALF the year, you've got to do everything in your power to brighten it, including celebrating half a dozen holidays right along with Christmas.