Hi Susan, (It's great to have you back with us again. I missed you bunches)
I can only answer you based on my experience. I live, I work, I socialize and enjoy the company of many people on a strictly casual basis. I like to call them friends, but they are not dear, trusted friends. We differ in thought and belief in regard to politics, football teams and spiritual belief, this is life as given me. I see people when I go to the grocery store, I talk to the cashiers, even if they are all goth'd up and look like they're dressed for halloween.
God has given me a life, like you I am not 100% of what I am to do. But I do know this, people will judge me far better and quicker on what I do than what I say. I would also ask you to read the worship service thread. The holiday get togethers, Christmas parties, etc are only evil if you make them so.Please understand that it is not the "day" or the "event" itself that is gotten out of, but the belief in the event itself. You know, forgetting all else because of christmas.
You are well grounded in truth sister Susan, I am sure your children are too. I personally do not try to make a big deal about any pagan holiday. It is just another day, God's day. Giving and recieving gifts is only that, I could do the same any day, why then should it be bad on just one day.
You cannot protect yourself let alone your children from people who do not believe what you do; however, God can and will protect you and your entire family if you put all of your love and trust in him.
Is your or my walk any different today, than that of David?
Psa 23:1 [[A Psalm of David.]] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Sorry for the lecture
Love in Christ,
Darren