ReThink Review: A Charlie Brown Christmas -- the True Spirit of Christmas, Free of Charge

Jonathan Kim, 12.22.2009

Political Movie Critic for ReThinkReviews.net and the Young Turks

If you're like most Christmas-celebrating Americans, this week finds you frantically searching for last-minute gifts. Maybe you procrastinated, your s...

How a Nice Jewish Boy Learned to Like Christmas... because of Paganism

Jay Michaelson, 12.21.2009

Columnist, activist and author of "Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism"

It's hard to be a Jew on Christmas My friends won't let me join in any games. And I can't sing Christmas songs Or decorate a Christmas tree Or leave w...

Montazeri's Limited Tolerance of Non-Muslims

Jamsheed K. Choksy, 12.21.2009

Professor of Iranian studies at Indiana University

Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri's opinion was characterized by one Iranian Christian clergyman as "rubbing salt into our wounds."

My Favorite Christmas Memory Is Better Than Santa

Nikki Stone, 12.21.2009

Olympic Gold Medalist and Motivational Speaker

Growing up, I never thought that anything could top reindeer hooves on the roof, Santa Claus popping down the chimney, and an enormous mountain of c...

The Magic Of Winter Solstice: Celebrating A Different Holiday

Kiri Westby, 12.21.2009

Change-Maker/Rule-Breaker/Story-Teller

Though our extended family would send Christmas gifts and I knew about Santa and his reindeer, the real magic for me came during the Winter Solstice.

Really, Santa Claus, It Is Time That You Go on a Diet and Begin Exercising

Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D., 12.21.2009

Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Dear Jolly Old St. Nick. You have a problem: You're obese.

Twitter Magic Brings Miracle to Homeless Family

Mark Horvath, 12.21.2009

Founder of InvisiblePeople.tv

Last night, I was part of a miracle that I still cannot believe happened. When I woke up this morning I had to watch this video several times for it all to sink in.

Christmas in June: What Orgs are Missing on Their Calendars

George Weiner, 12.21.2009

Chief Technology Officer of DoSomething.org

Why is this the season of charities wanting you to stuff their stocking? Because it works. People give more during the December holidays. But what about the holidays that occur the other 11 months of the year?

La paz del Cementerio - The Peace of the Graveyard Marches on Across the World

Jane Guskin, 12.21.2009

In Colombia there is an expression: la paz del cementerio - the peace of the graveyard. This is the kind of peace that powerful forces enjoy when everyone who resists them is dead and buried.

In the Spirit of the Season, Please Don't Be a Jerk at the Movies

Keli Goff, 12.22.2009

Author, commentator and contributor to TheLoop21.com

I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but going to the movies has officially become about as pleasant as a trip to the DMV or flying commercial post 9/11. Here's some advice we should all heed.

The Ghost of Free Market Past

James Campion, 12.21.2009

Political Analyst for 'The Aquarian Weekly'

If Jesus and Ayn Rand had ever spent any time together in a locked room, neither would be able decide which of them was God.

Oral Roberts Showed Us the Way to the Throne

Larry Ross, 12.21.2009

President of A. Larry Ross Communications

Last week, the world lost legendary nonagenarian Christian leader and educator, Dr. Oral Roberts, who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the...

Dreaming of a Dark Christmas

Jim Selman, 12.21.2009

A recognized leader and authority in the field of organizational transformation and culture change.

As I've grown older, I see more clearly how difficult the holiday season can be for many people. I am trying to pay attention to these folks this year.

Growing Up: Santa's Last Visit?

Irene Zutell, 12.21.2009

Here she is--a girl who gets perfect scores on standardized tests. A girl who reads Charles Dickens as if it were Beverly Cleary. A girl who writes stories as if channeling an adult. A girl who believes in Santa.

Parenting Crisis: The Santa Claus Lie

April Daniels Hussar, 12.21.2009

Deputy Editor of BettyConfidential.com

I asked my husband if he feels bad that we taught Isabella about Santa Claus. "Yes. It's a lie." He's worried that when she does find out the truth, she won't believe in magic again. The real kind of magic

Christmas Elegy for Bugz the Wild Horse, 1998-2009

Deanne Stillman, 12.21.2009

author of Mustang, Twentynine Palms

When the men approached, the black foal might have been nursing. Or she might have been on her side, giving her wobbly legs a rest, leaning into her ...

Last Minute Gifts for the Frequent Flyer

Terry Gardner, 12.21.2009

Freelance Journalist

Until short security lines and turbulence-free skies come gift-wrapped, here are some holiday gifts that can lessen the stress of your frequent flier. I consulted Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel, for ideas.

Yes, Santa Claus, There is a Virginia

Fortune's Stanley Bing, 12.21.2009

Fortune Magazine Columnist

If there were no Virginia, the eternal childhood that makes our lives have meaning would be extinguished. Not believe in Virginia! You might as well not believe in quantum physics!

Garrison Keillor, Uncensored for Christmas

Jackson Williams, 12.22.2009

Austin-based writer

Some in the rightwing blogosphere, who can't stand Garrison Keillor for his liberal politics, are taking shots at him for his latest pro-Christmas Sal...

A Fox News Christmas

David Kronke, 12.21.2009

(Cue song) Violent night, protest night.. Liberals flee at our sight.. They are socialist, fascist and cruel.. We will stomp them, show them to be fools.. We must wipe them all ow-out.. We must wipe them all out.

Washington's Snow and the Lack of Community Spirit

Tamar Abrams, 12.20.2009

Tamar Abrams is a strategic communications consultant based in Arlington, VA.

Snow affords us an opportunity to care for one another. We can shovel for an elderly neighbor, and make crossing safe for pedestrians. Whether shoveling a sidewalk or providing health care to Americans -- we could all use altruism this season.