The debate over deChristmasization
Much has been said and written in the media lately about the debates over the use of the greeting "Happy holidays!" over "Merry Christmas!" and "Holiday Tree" over "Christmas Tree." I take no offense whatsoever to the commercial practice of using "Happy Holidays!" to greet customers and employees instead of "Merry Christmas." Granted, Christmas is far and away the biggest holiday celebrated this time of year in America; however, I feel a business has the right (not obligation) to use a "Happy Holidays!" greeting to include worshipers of all faiths, and shouldn't feel pressure from extremist Christian groups to just express holiday wishes to Christians. I'm upset when I hear of calls for boycotts against companies who are just trying to make all of their customers feel welcome. I feel nothing is wrong, though of a holiday greeting specific to one's religion. Society should take no offense should someone say to them, "Happy Hanukka!" even if they themselves happen to be Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or otherwise.
Regarding the other issue, though, concerning the Christmas tree and various organizations, public, private, and otherwise, I am bothered when someone renames a symbol of one of the holidays of my faith. The Christmas tree symbolizes one and only one holiday, just as the Easter Bunny symbolizes the Easter holiday, the Menorah is used to celebrate Hanukka, and the crescent moon symbolizes Ramadan. I believe the Christmas tree has religious symbolism that shouldn't be brushed under the rug. Organizations should not feel pressure to rename Christmas trees, Holiday Trees or Community Trees just to make the Jews, athiests, and Muslims feel included. I would consider it idiocy for a Jew to rename their dreidels "Holiday Tops" just to avoid any Jewish reference to the religious symbols. Do we need to change the name of the Menorah to "Holiday Candle Stick?" Of course not.
Bottom line: Leave businesses and city governments alone if they decide to decorate with "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and no more naming Christmas trees "Community Trees." Otherwise, I'll come over and poke out your eyes with my holiday top.
posted by Garrett @ 4:12 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I understand your position; however, the larger issue is the secular movement to marginalize Christianity in the American culture.
As I have pointed out to several major retailers who say their generic "holiday" usage is simply meant to be inclusive, they are missing the point that most of the 87% of the population who are Christians are being excluded by the retailers' failure to recognize that the season is and always has been about Christmas.
Thanks for your comment, Semper Fi. If you are or were a Marine, thank you for your service.
Regarding your comment, I'm a Christian and I don't feel excluded if a retailer uses the greeting, "Happy Holidays." It is my opinion that, in general, those who feel excluded by it are just looking for a reason to complain. How does wishing holiday greetings exclude anyone? I just don't follow the logic. If the phrase were, "Happy Holidays, unless your holiday is Christmas," then that would be exclusive. And believe me, as I used to work for a major corporate retailer, contrary to what you wrote retailers do not fail to recognize that December is all about the Christmas holiday. The holiday, or rather, the habits of Americans in celebration of the holiday is what pays the bills and makes or breaks the year for retailers. It is in their best interest to cater to Christians, as well as members of all faiths. To simplify the debate, all we have to to is imagine how Christ himself would react if a Wal-Mart greeter welcomed him into their store with a "Happy Holidays." I'm sure he wouldn't turn around and storm out of the store offended, resolved to boycott. I just wish that critical debate regarding this sacred holiday took back seat to the events and the significance of Christ's birth.
Yes, once-a-Marine, always-a-Marine, and thank you for the thank you about my service. It's that very service and that of other military personnel over the decades that allows you and me the freedom to exchange points of view.
I understand what you are saying. Maybe I'm a tad too nostalgic -- not all that many years ago Jesus WAS the reason for the Season and "Christmas" was not only dominant at this time of the year, it was the ONLY theme within the retail store, the public schools, the workplace, and on the public square.
It is truly sad, if not alarming, that "Silent Night" has turned into "Silence the Night"...
"I am bothered when someone renames a symbol of one of the holidays of my faith. The Christmas tree symbolizes one and only one holiday..."
Really??? Wasn't the "Christmas Tree" stolen from the Druids?
anonymous,
Give me a break. Regardless of the ancient origins, what Christian doesn't regard the Christmas tree as a symbol of the holiday, particulary the crowning star of the tree that represents the new star that lit the sky on the night our Savior was born? Modern symbolism is what matters.
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