During tough holiday season, a call for unity: #tellusatoday

We asked readers to share their holiday wishes and traditions.

Twitter comments edited for clarity and grammar:

My wish is that we try to live up to the values the holidays represent, not just talk about them.

—@AlisonNJ1

My hope for the holiday season is that we accept different faiths. We’re all Americans in this together.

—@JeffOstach

My tradition: I listen to Christmas music non-stop for weeks and weeks, until I never want to hear it again. Until next year.

—@LoganLeavitt

My only wish is peace on Earth, no more war, no hunger, no ignorance, acceptance and an end to racism. Is that too much to ask?

—@Ss_LouLou

I am hoping to actually get in the Christmas mood. I’m not there just yet.

—@mygra8tns

My hope is that current obnoxious attitudes expressed toward others will be replaced with kindness.

—@H673H

POLICING THE USA:A look at race, media and justice

My wish is to spend time with family and have lots of patience.

—@AngelicaBrown29

For more, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.

Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:

This fictitious war on Christmas is just dumb. There are probably plenty of people who don’t like Christmas, including Christians. And there likely are atheists who do like it for other than religious reasons. The war idea gives right-wing politicians a cheap way to whip people up.

The Starbucks cup saga is the icing on the cake, and Donald Trump plays it well. Should Starbucks print “Christianity is the greatest” on all of its cups?

It’s ludicrous for people to demand that any business promote one religion over another. Christians can put nativity scenes up at churches, homes, private businesses or clubs.

—Jeremy Majors

Forgotten in the discussion of religious symbols is the need for community and fellowship that are nurtured by shared holiday experiences such as Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July and Christmas. The weeks of festivities and reunions hold a community together. While most of our celebrations are rooted in Christianity, there is nothing religious or Christian about a Christmas tree or giving presents.

—Jan Sutton

Letters edited for clarity and grammar:

This holiday season, regardless of faith or religion, let us all keep the spirit of the season alive. Help those who need it and share with others from whatever you have.

We may have different traditions and memories, but our wishes are the same. I, along with my family, wish everyone a very happy, healthy and joyful holiday season.

Harish G. Bhatt; Springfield, Ill.

I’ll be going home to Tampa for Christmas. I had just begun a three-year special assignment in Nashville at this time last year, and I could not make it home for the holidays. However, this year will be different, and I’m looking forward to being at home with family.

My mom is in the last stages of brain cancer. I long to see her, to kiss her face again and to spend as much time with her as I can. I will also spend time with my father, who just turned 87, and my son and sister. I love my family so much! I didn’t realize, until now, how precious their lives are to me.

My wish is that busy Americans will stop to wish the special people in their lives a Merry Christmas.

Monica White; Nashville