Do we really celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, or do we throw it off to the side? Can we treat the true meaning of the birth of Christ without animosity?

In the rush to proclaim glory, the GOP asked me for a donation … for political causes, of course. Why, as a Republican, should I be prompted to hand out for political causes at a time of year when we need to think of the poor? That creates mistrust deeply in the national GOP for me.

It disturbs me that donations are asked for and the party makes no mention of where the money goes. I can understand a traditional Christmas, but that also means donating to other efforts as well.

Supporting a traditional Christmas, whether Democrat or Republican, means donating to charitable organizations directly, like Disabled American Veterans, Operation Homefront, Goodwill and the Salvation Army, that can make a child have a much better Christmas.

It is not important that our donations have political ties. What is important is to go the extra mile, see beyond the political aspects, and donate to organizations together.

That is a traditional Christmas and that is how it should always be for the children, the poor, the needy, and those who need help. This makes all the difference.

The GOP may dub it the gift of Christmas future, but the real gift is putting that donation into the community, not political causes.

Joseph Ziehm, Lewiston