If you’re anything like me, you’ve been wracking your brain to figure out whether modern-day American Christmas traditions are anything like 18th-century Christmas services. What, you’re not like me? WeirdâÂ?¦Well, anyway, history.org has a whole webpage on just this topic in case you need your 18th century Christmas fix!

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is canceling an ad campaign designed to coax Israeli expatriates back home. Apparently some American Jews found his efforts a smidge offensive.

The Wall Street Journal thinks there is a “Buddhist Cold War” brewing between China and India.

Meanwhile, random-stuff-blog BoingBoing details a “Buddha Machine” iPad app that plays experimental music. Developers say that it’s a modified version of a popular Chinese gadget that intones Buddhist prayers.

Religion Dispatches offers an analysis of the role of religion in Egypt’s recent elections.

The Rev. Billy Graham – who was hospitalized just this week – is reportedly in “good spirits” according to a spokesman.

The Washington Post says that Democrats are flaunting their faith cred in the leadup to the 2012 election.

The Tweet of the Day comes from Unvirtuous Abbey, who reminds us all of a group that deserves some real forgiveness:

@UnvirtuousAbbey – For those who answer their cell phone during a funeral, Lord have mercy.