This is our first Christmas as a retired family. And now that we live far from base, as the only military family around, I am struck by how profoundly I miss and appreciate our military brethren.

I miss, believe it or not, the unit Christmas parties where everyone would finally let down their guard, walk away from their desk and actually sit and relax, if for just a minute.

 I miss the tree lighting on base and the two-hour line for Santa that everyone whined about but refused to miss and the annoying bags of free junk my kids would collect from all the vendors who circled the event.

I miss bringing Christmas dinner to my husband on those rare years when he had to pull duty and bringing hot chocolate at midnight on Christmas Eve to the gate guards.

I miss knowing that when I wish someone Happy Holidays they know it is meant in love, not in sarcasm. Our military community is full of many different religions, all celebrating their own glorious holy days at this time of year.

A greeting of "Happy Holidays" is the sincerest way to wish every one of them peace and kindness.

Our new civilian community, however, mired in their selfish ignorance, sees a cheery greeting of 'Happy Holidays' as a strike to the heart against their own religion. They see diversity as weakness. They fear difference. They hate without cause.

This breaks my heart.

I am proud that my children had the opportunity to travel and to learn about other religions and cultures. My children love others for who they are. They are an anomaly in the town where we retired.

When a new neighbor came to our home and asked about  painting on the wall, which we had purchased in China, and another that we had purchased in Japan, as we tried to explain the difference, she told us "They were all the same anyways."

After a few minutes of her continuing on about how she didn't care much about other places because they didn't believe like she did, I quickly and politely moved the conversation out the door.

When she left, my children were aghast. They told me simply, "Mommy, she's not a very nice person."

No baby, she's not.

So, to our military brothers and sisters, I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and wonderful, love-filled celebrations, for whatever you celebrate! It is a beautiful time of year and military families are beautiful people. Enjoy!