War on Christmas

Ah, the Lakeland Ledger. A local newspaper where a liberal can collect enough mud to sling for a good month or so while on break for the holidays … er, or for Christmas, depending on your political affiliation (or religious ties? Is there a difference anymore?).

Yesterday morning I was reading about the "War on Christmas"; a conservative Christian movement to get the Christ back in Christmas. The American Family Association (which by name would lead one to think that this organization is made up of all the different kinds of families America has to offer- this proves to be otherwise) publishes a list of "naughty" and "nice" commercial stores. "Nice" means a store that refers specifically to Christmas, and "naughty" means using a "multicultural mush of 'winter parties, 'seasonal sales' and 'Happy Holidays'".

A multicultural mush … have we backslid that far?

Jennifer Giroux of Cincinnati feels that people who do not worry about the political-correctness of "happy holidays" can then focus more on the "whole peace-on-earth and goodwill-toward-man thing". I suppose Jennifer assumes that peace and goodwill can only be narrowly defined by the constructs of her own religion and culture- yikes.

What's so terrible about being inclusive? Christmas is a time of sharing and caring. "Happy Holidays" keeps the door open for dialogue about differences- which generally leads to conversations on commonalities.

A recent poll suggests that 46% of Americans are offended when a store clerk greets them with "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" (no specific data on whether this poll was carried out in South Dakota or NYC; I reckon it would make a difference). I wonder if a Jewish family is likewise offended when Christmas is rammed down their holiday throats? Does anyone care?

It's this simple: not all Americans celebrate Christmas. Happy Holidays is not anti-Christmas; it is an inclusive greeting that respects every individual's choice to celebrate, or not celebrate, according to his or her values and beliefs.

What could be more anti-Christmas than separatism? Peace on earth does not translate to a manger with angels; it's about love, compassion, and unity.

Now … which sounds naughty or nice?