Go ahead ... Use the “C” word with me.

I received an email the other day from a friend of mine and in her salutation she wrote, “Have a Merry Christmas and yes, I am using the “C” word.”

I laughed my face off when I read it, then it made me realize how politically sensitive we’ve all become. While my friend was being funny, it does underscore just how vigilant we are of not offending anyone. For years now we’ve sent out holiday cards that read “Happy Holidays” or some such innocuous greeting like that. Apparently, it is incredibly insensitive to wish someone Merry Christmas. How dare you! We live in a politically correct world where Christmas trees should now be called “winter trees” and don’t you dare put up any Christmas symbol in a public space. No sir.

In the U.S. the War on Christmas is in full force. A very bizarre story is that of a nine year old boy who was forbidden to bring in candy canes to his school Christmas party because the canes contained a ‘religious’ meaning. Ah that’s right, let me see, there was Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh ... There was a fourth King no one knows about, who showed up at the manger with a basket of candy canes and peppermint bark from Williams-Sonoma. Gee, I completely forgot about that guy.

I understand the decision to uniformly drop Merry Christmas to Season’s Greetings or Festive Season etc. and I suppose it's the right thing to do. But still, it's not Happy Bunny Day is it? It’s Happy Easter right? Isn’t Christmas the “reason for the season?” I respect those that don’t celebrate Christmas, but to inoculate this holiday from those that do, is a sad commentary on our values and our religious freedoms.

So when you see me shopping, at the bank or ordering take out ... please wish me a Merry Christmas. I won’t be offended.

So with that, let me be fully inclusive and wish all my faithful readers a very Merry Christmas ... and of course ... Happy Holidays to you and yours and a safe and prosperous New Year!

Back from the magic

If Disney is known for anything, then it must be “magic.”

I spent last week at DisneyWorld Florida followed by a four-day cruise on the Disney Wonder. It was nothing short of spectacular. Whether you are young at heart or have young children, book your next trip to Disney. It won’t disappoint you. I promise.

Disney definitely lives up to its brand of “Making People Happy.” And it did. I had an ear-to-ear grin the whole time. I think I’m a big kid at the end of the day and Disney was the right vacation to cap off a very busy year at MAVERICK.

Here’s what impressed me about Disney:

Efficiency: Walt and his buddies wrote the book on time management, and I certainly took notes. I cannot comprehend how the Disney Corporation manages so many people on land and on a cruise ship so seamlessly and efficiently. I was beyond impressed. From our luggage showing up on time to the wonderful beach excursion on Disney’s private island, it was all so perfect.

Excitement: Casino Rama may claim to “deal excitement” but Disney lives and breathes it in every respect. From the rides to the shows, Disney is all about exciting experiences. I got caught up in the moment meeting Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy and the rest of the Disney characters. In fact, I think I may have trampled on some poor kid’s feet as I rushed in to hug Mickey … sorry, little guy! (The photo above is of Rachel, Belle and me on the Disney Wonder).

Superb Quality & Value: The food went beyond my expectations. Whether you get a slice of pizza on the boat or a breakfast platter at Magic Kingdom, the value and quality of each meal met my high standards. I had lamb chops at Palo (on the cruise ship) I am still savouring the flavour.. Magnifico!

Friendliness: Everyone associated with Disney seems to have overdosed on happy pills. From the cruise wait staff to the park personnel, these folks make Elmo look cynical.

Exceptional Atmosphere: I know, I know, I wasn’t in Bali or the Caymen islands, but for a family vacation filled with princesses and over-stuffed characters, there was a ton of atmosphere. The balcony off our room on the cruise ship was stunning and we caught a beautiful sunset the first night out. Our room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando was also terrific with great vistas – we had large African animals roaming around right outside our balcony! Don’t see that in Toronto. Very cool.

I knew this trip met my little girl’s expectations, when she turned to us and said “Mom, Dad, this is the place where dreams really do come true.”

We couldn’t have agreed more.

And as they say in Disney .... "Thanks and have a magical day."

The battle of the Christmas bulge

Well it’s Christmas time. And for most of us it means stress, shopping and a whole lot of eating.

Open up any newspaper or magazine and we’re bombarded with food advertisements encouraging us to entertain and consume over the holiday season. While reporters can’t wait to share with us just how many calories we’ll be gobbling down. Thanks for the reminder. I recently read that there are about 4,500 calories in the typical Christmas turkey dinner. And because our family celebrates Christmas with an Italian twist, add a few cheese cannelloni as a starter and a tiramisu for dessert and you basically have a heart attack on a plate.

But ‘tis only once a year and I say go for it! Scarf down your rum ‘n egg nog, double dip your cracker in that oozing brie, and make sure you pile on that salted ham and turkey on your plate. It’s Christmas. The most glorious time of the year and no one should be counting calories or watching their waistline.

After all, by the time January rolls around, every diet clinic and fitness centre in the country will be reminding us just how flabby we all are!

So have a very merry Christmas and eat up!