The one about Christmas
Check this story out - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16150563/ . I couldn't believe it. No, wait a minute, I guess I could.
Why has Christmas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas) become so divisive? Last year it was the decision to omit "Merry Christmas" from stores in favor, exclusively, of the more inclusive "Happy Holidays". This trend, however, does not seem to hedge on Christmas, it is everyone being so concerned about being politically correct - about everything.
I will always say Merry Christmas. The reason I celebrate Christmas is because it is a time that has been traditionally set aside to recognize the Birth of Christ - but I also celebrate time together with family and friends, the sharing of gifts, and generally a couple of days off of work. I will also say that I am not the least bit offended when people say "Happy Holidays" to me, just as I would not expect to get a sour face from someone to whom I say "Merry Christmas". As for the Christmas tree article - there is not one religious aspect to a Christmas tree. You can make things up (and many have) but, other than the name, the Christmas tree has no Christian "roots". People are not bothered at all by Santa Clause (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas), but he has more Christian background than a Christmas Tree - Saint Nicholas was a real person - and devoted his life to Christianity and doing good works and giving gifts, and this is the character that gets the most attacked by Christians! All the stories about him may not be true (especially about elves and the North Pole -which they say is going to melt away by 2034), but I have no doubt that the person that inspired all these legends of generosity must have been very kind hearted and generous.
In the days after the Revolutionary War, Christmas was not celebrated in many homes in the United States because it was "too English". That sounds almost like what we have come to today.
So to the rabid (what is a politically correct term for someone who is over politically correct?) I say, please just let it go. Celebrate the holiday you want to celebrate - I won't stop you and I won't support anyone who does. To the easily offended Christians, if a store wants to call it "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hanukkah" instead of "Merry Christmas", then, if you feel led, don't shop there, but don't call a boycott or threaten a lawsuit. The best way for you to ensure that the tradition you hold to is continued, is to let those that are close to you (your friends and family) know why you celebrate it as you are showing them the warmth and love that Christmas, at its best, is supposed to communicate.
Why has Christmas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas) become so divisive? Last year it was the decision to omit "Merry Christmas" from stores in favor, exclusively, of the more inclusive "Happy Holidays". This trend, however, does not seem to hedge on Christmas, it is everyone being so concerned about being politically correct - about everything.
I will always say Merry Christmas. The reason I celebrate Christmas is because it is a time that has been traditionally set aside to recognize the Birth of Christ - but I also celebrate time together with family and friends, the sharing of gifts, and generally a couple of days off of work. I will also say that I am not the least bit offended when people say "Happy Holidays" to me, just as I would not expect to get a sour face from someone to whom I say "Merry Christmas". As for the Christmas tree article - there is not one religious aspect to a Christmas tree. You can make things up (and many have) but, other than the name, the Christmas tree has no Christian "roots". People are not bothered at all by Santa Clause (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas), but he has more Christian background than a Christmas Tree - Saint Nicholas was a real person - and devoted his life to Christianity and doing good works and giving gifts, and this is the character that gets the most attacked by Christians! All the stories about him may not be true (especially about elves and the North Pole -which they say is going to melt away by 2034), but I have no doubt that the person that inspired all these legends of generosity must have been very kind hearted and generous.
In the days after the Revolutionary War, Christmas was not celebrated in many homes in the United States because it was "too English". That sounds almost like what we have come to today.
So to the rabid (what is a politically correct term for someone who is over politically correct?) I say, please just let it go. Celebrate the holiday you want to celebrate - I won't stop you and I won't support anyone who does. To the easily offended Christians, if a store wants to call it "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hanukkah" instead of "Merry Christmas", then, if you feel led, don't shop there, but don't call a boycott or threaten a lawsuit. The best way for you to ensure that the tradition you hold to is continued, is to let those that are close to you (your friends and family) know why you celebrate it as you are showing them the warmth and love that Christmas, at its best, is supposed to communicate.
posted by Greg | 11:55 PM
2 Comments:
I would agree with you. I don't think I should be offended when my Jewish friend wishes me Happy Hannukah (sp). I have purchased Hannukah cards for my friends. they have purchased Christmas cards for me because I'm a Christian. They are not offended when I wish them a merry Christmas because they know that it is what I believe. I have issues with PC. Did you know that often the PC terms we come up with are considered more offensive? Numerous times I have heard from the deaf community that "Deaf" is not offensive but the PC term "Hearing-impaired" is incredibly offensive. I have also learned this recently about some of the PC terms "Native American." Some are fine with it, some find it quite offensive. When our attempts to be so PC end up being more offensive, we end up with a lot of Michael Scotts :) Take care, thanks for your opinion. -The Tiff
I get so tired of this PC stuff. God looks on the heart. I know we can't do that but the eyes are the mirror to the soul. You know when someone means to offend and when they don't. So Merry Christmass and God Bless us everyone, Love to All, MOM and GmaA
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