I celebrate Christmas, but the cards I send out every year say “Happy Holidays”. I never considered this a political statement, just a statement of fact – the people I’v mailed well-wishes to celebrate all sorts of different things, and so my greetings reflect that.

Any controversy over Christmas always felt like a Fox News conspiracy theory; but this year the president of the United States is claiming some sort of victory in an imaginary war against the most popular and well-represented holiday in the country. And it left me feeling a bit bah-humbug-ish.



Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) People are proud to be saying Merry Christmas again. I am proud to have led the charge against the assault of our cherished and beautiful phrase. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Pre-Trump, when someone wished me a Merry Christmas I was pleased – now I wonder if they’re one of those people who are making some sort of passive-aggressive statement. Even worse, when I’ve said Merry Christmas without thinking, I’m panicked that someone thinks the same thing about me.

So thanks, President Scrooge – for making this a thing.

At least they can’t take New Year’s from us. (Fingers crossed.)

Make 'feminism' the word of the year until women feel safe Read more

Glass half full

Somehow the fact that Trump voters are having a hard time finding people to date them makes me feel much, much better.

What I’m RTing

Sabrina Hersi Issa (@beingbrina) A check-in questionnaire, from Audre Lorde. Good for your end of year and everyday after. 🗓✅✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/K1CmbeNTKd

hi, i'm chasity (@chat_twizzle) merry cHELPUShristmas to y’all too https://t.co/NBiQwcmrHj

Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) NYT story cites interviews “with more than 100 current and former Vice employees.” As word spread that the story was in the works, “more than a dozen women and men contacted The Times with accounts that they said were humiliating and emotionally traumatic” https://t.co/rmbgzpqSwX

Emily Peck (@EmilyRPeck) Female staffers at the NYT lament that the paper takes more care with Glenn Thrush’s career than theirs. https://t.co/gezCDwtCnN

Who I’m reading

Emily Steel with the long-awaited story about sexual harassment at Vice; and Joanna Walters here at the Guardian with an amazing story about medical students learning how to perform abortions in case the procedure becomes illegal.

What I’m obsessed with

This Vox interactive of all the men accused of sexual wrongdoing from Anna North is incredible. Depressing, but incredible.

How outraged I am

Of all the things traditional notions of masculinity impacts, the environment was not one that came to mind for me. But apparently, men tend to litter more and embrace eco-friendly behaviors less because they somehow find it “unmanly”. On a scale of one to the destruction of the Earth, I’m just tired.

How I’m making it through this week

Our new puppy is slowing working towards getting our senior dog to love him. That means trying to sleep as close as possible to him without actually touching. He’s making some progress.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jessica Valenti’s dogs. Photograph: Jessica Valenti

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