Happy Holidays To All!!

Contrary to hate-mongers like certain far-right broadcast hosts, we say that not to "make war on Christmas", but to recognize that there are a broad range of celebrations in December. That includes Christmas, but also Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, and pagan ceremonies for the Winter Solstice. We joy in diversity, not demonization.

This month several Democratic organizations are not having meetings, or are having Holiday Parties instead or in addition. We've listed several in Upcoming Events below. If your Democratic group is having one not shown, email us and we'll put it on the DCDP website Calendar. (Note that a couple of these only have a date and a link to their own website, since they don't have a location yet.)

The Dallas County Democratic Party's own HOLIDAY PARTY will be on Friday, December 12, from 4 to 7 PM, at the Tipperary Inn, 5815 Live Oak St. (at Skillman), Dallas, TX 75214. There will be light snacks, but the kitchen is open. It's a cash bar, but with Happy Hour pricing from 4 to 7. Come by for fun with Democratic friends.

Next month will come one of the biggest celebrations of all, when Barack Obama and Joe Biden are inaugurated, and begin restoring hope to the American people and the world. The big day is January 20. Please visit the Presidential Inaugural Committee's web site for information on obtaining tickets to the 2009 Inaugural Events.

[And of course, that afternoon, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney will be out of office and therefore eligible for indictment and arrest for war crimes in several European countries, even if they have pardoned themselves for any violations of U.S. laws. That should put a crimp in their travel plans. Happy New Year!]

Upcoming Meetings & Events:

(For the latest updates on local events, and links to more info about these, always check the DCDP website Calendar.)

Tuesday, December 2:

• Las Colinas/HD105 Democrats (7 PM, La Madeleine, 6430 North Macarthur Blvd. at Royal, Irving)

Wednesday, December 3:

• Tarrant County Democratic Party HOLIDAY PARTY Featuring: James Hinkle and Mace Maben - Fort Worth Guitar Legends with their Big E in FW Band. $25 donation. (7 PM, Lola's, 2736 W. 6th Street, Fort Worth)

Thursday, December 4:

• Dallas Peace Center 2008 Peacemaker Awards Dinner Tickets $75 and up; reserve online at this page. (Reception begins at 5:30 PM, Dinner is served at 7 PM, DoubleTree Hotel, 4099 Valley View Ln., Dallas)

Friday, December 5:

• Collin County Democratic Party HOLIDAY DINNER DPCC is providing smoked ham and turkey and vegetarian lasagna. We are asking members to bring food items according to their last name. Read more at this page. RSVP to us no later than Monday, Dec 1 so we can get a head count for the food. RSVP by email to events AT collindems.us. (7-9 PM, Unitarian Church, 2875 E Parker Rd, Plano)

Saturday, December 6:

• Park Cities / Central Dallas Democrats (10:30 AM, Oak Lawn Public Library, 4100 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas)
  
• North Dallas Texas Democratic Women and NDD102 HOLIDAY PARTY The two clubs will furnish ham, turkey and a vegan dish, plus all liquid refreshments. Please bring a dish -- see the schedule on this page. You MUST RSVP by December 3rd in order for us to have sufficient food and liquid refreshment for all! Either call 972-732-7712 and leave a message or email to info AT nddw.org. (6 PM, 17201 Hidden Glen Drive, Dallas)

Monday, December 8:

• Stonewall Democrats of Dallas HOLIDAY PARTY With annual holiday basket auction and awards presentation. (7 PM, Round Up Saloon, 3912 Cedar Springs, Dallas)

Tuesday, December 9:

• PVL - A New Era (6:30 PM, Thurgood Marshall Rec Center, 5150 Mark Trail, Dallas)

Wednesday, December 10:

• Rockwall County Democratic Party HOLIDAY PARTY

Thursday, December 11:

• Dallas County Pct. 5 Constable & J. P. Community Christmas Luncheon (11 AM to 1 PM, 410 S. Beckley Avenue, Suite 200, Dallas)
  
• Preston Hollow Democrats Please call Roger Grape at 214-502-7084 to RSVP so that we can tell Popolo's how many to expect. (6:30 PM, Popolo's Restaurant at Preston and Royal, Dallas)
  
• Garland Area Democratic Club (7 PM, Garland Women's Activities Building, 713 Austin St. at Glenbrook, Garland)

Friday, December 12:

• Dallas County Democratic Party HOLIDAY PARTY Light snacks but kitchen is open. Cash bar. Happy hour pricing on drinks from 4 - 7! (4 to 7 PM, Tipperary Inn, 5815 Live Oak St. at Skillman, Dallas)
  
• Dallas County Young Democrats HOLIDAY PARTY (8 PM)

Tuesday, December 16:

• Texas Coalition of Black Democrats (6:30 PM, Moorland YMCA, 907 E. Ledbetter Rd., Dallas)
  
• Irving Democratic Club HOLIDAY PARTY Bring a dish to share, and canned good for food collection. (7 PM, The Glass Door, Story Road at Irving Blvd.)

Saturday, January 3:

• Texas Coalition of Black Democrats Dallas Chapter Inaugural Formal Dinner and Ball $100 - General Admission; $150 - VIP Pass [includes private reception at 6:00] Get tickets online at this page. Reserve tickets by email to tcbdevents AT gmail.com. Inquiries 214-404-8336. (7 PM, The Women's Museum, 3800 Parry Ave, Fair Park, Dallas)