The Olympia Sea Scouts have been in this area for over 40 years. The Oly Sea Scouts is a group that helps teen boys and girls learn all about boating, sailing, water safety, how to keep a boat in shape and allows local youth the opportunity to cruise local waters or go sailing on long cruises far from home free of charge to them and their families.

In order to provide this experience to local youth, we have to hold fundraisers. Our largest fundraiser is the Christmas Tree Fundraiser and this year's is extremely important as we are raising money for a new ship. Our current ship, The Gillespie, Sea Scout Ship 453, is is pretty bad shape. So we unfortunately are going to have to decommission it. Any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated.

To learn more about our Christmas Trees for sale and ways you can support the Oly Sea Scouts just visit http://olyseascouts.homestead.com.

My family had a wonderful Christmas brunch today, featuring mom’s home-made cinnamon rolls. Over the last few days we’ve created a “clay” nativity scene.

On a more startling note, a bird flew into our house. No kidding! I hear that it was in the garage and then flew from there, past my dad, into the house. Then it decided to visit my bedroom. Such was the state of affairs when I got involved in the chase. Stubborn critter! I’d try to shoo it out the door and it would fly in the exact opposite direction. Finally it flew off into another room and probably out an open window. Although we weren’t quite sure what happened to it. Mom though it flew into one room. One of my siblings thought it flew into another. I can’t say I didn’t get a surprise on Christmas! LOL

Would anyone else like to share how they’re celebrating Christmas?

Spirituality is very important to me -- I'm an active church member and do a ton of interfaith work.

I also am also a strong supporter of the first amendment prohibiting the government from supporting one religion over another. I read with interest the debates over Christmas displays in the state capitol building. But it wasn't until I walked through the building that I really saw how incongruous and out of place these displays are.

The nativity scene is accompanied by a sign that reads: "This Nativity Holiday Display was provided and erected by private citizens of the State of Washington to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated by Christians around the world."

Just to the left is a Jewish menorah, accompanied by an explanatory sign about Hanukkah. What's the benefit to the public of having these displays here? Is this balance?

Hanukkah, as I understand it, is a relatively minor holiday on the Jewish calendar. Will the capitol be hosting more religious displays for the High Holy Days? For Diwali? For Ramadan? For that matter, what would the "private citizens" think about adding to their sign that Jesus is recognized as a prophet within Islam? I'd love to find out!

I'd prefer to see a display at the public library, with rotating information about cultural and religious holidays from many traditions. The library is a natural place for being exposed to new ideas, and has the resources for those who want to learn more.

Anyway, have a look for yourself:

I was driving to a friends house tonight I noticed a lot of Christmas lights up. This is great, it give Olympia a warm feeling. However, when I was driving back home late tonight I saw most of the lights were still on, this includes the lights downtown. I am a fan of Christmas but this is a waste.

OK so you have the LED lights GREAT, but why not take it a step further and put them on a timer. Have them turn on at 5:00 and turn off at say 11:00. It is just a waste of energy to leave them running. One set of lights might not make that huge of a difference but if everyone did this they would save a huge amount of resources and money. You would hardly notice the change, your in bed anyways.

Lets step up and be the city that actually makes a difference.

P.S. if anyone else has ideas for energy efficient holidays post them here.