The last time
I wrote about Christmas I thought I was being pretty polite, considering the message I was getting from my friends and relatives and neighbors. To wit:
How DARE you even THINK about not wishing me a Merry Christmas! Which, of course, led me to respond by pleading “not guilty”–which caused me to tell a lie at Christmas since I didn’t feel the least bit guilty. Why would I?
I say “Merry Christmas” quite a bit at Christmas time. I’ve been saying “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” ever since I could say the words, which, I’m guessing, was around December, 1939, when I was just over two years old. Sometimes I say “Have a great holiday!” without mentioning which holiday I mean when I say that. There are times when I say “Happy New Year!”, forgetting to say “Merry Christmas”, even though it may be several days before Christmas. I can’t help it. It just comes out.
For weeks now I’ve been getting those admonishing Facebook posts and emails about keeping Christ in Christmas by saying “Merry Christmas”. (As if, if we don’t keep repeating those words, everyone will forget who Christ was.)
I hadn’t planned on writing yet another blog about the “war” on Christmas. But today I received the email that was the straw that finally broke it.
It was an email from a dear friend and the subject line read, ” MERRY CHRISTMAS!” The picture that topped it was an old fashioned Currier & Ives etching with digital snowflakes falling, falling, falling. A colorful “Merry Christmas” banner arched over the top with a bright red ribbon wreathed with holly and ivy.
So lovely. . .
And this is what it said:
I will be making a conscious effort to wish everyone
a Merry Christmas this year …
My way of saying that I am celebrating
The birth Of Jesus Christ.
So, I am asking my email buddies,
if you agree with me, to please do the same.
And if you’ll pass this on to
Your email buddies, and so on… maybe we can prevent one more
American tradition from being lost in the sea of “Political Correctness”.
What. On. Earth. Really?? At risk of never receiving another Merry Christmas greeting from any of you ever again, I’m going to say this and I hope you will take it in the spirit in which it is given:
What is wrong with you people?
It’s Christmas! Millions of us love this season. We look forward to it, we read about it, we sing about it, we who are parents can’t wait to experience it with our children. We plan, we decorate, we bake, we go shopping, we party. We find a million different excuses to hug each other. We hang mistletoe just so we can kiss under it.
We fill food baskets and donate money because it’s Christmas and there is nothing sadder than the thought of someone not enjoying the holidays. Our happiness is so acute we smile at perfect strangers and wish them good tidings. Joy, my friends, is busting out all over.
Many of us only go into a church at Christmas time; some of us not at all. I love the story of the baby Jesus. I love Christmas carols. (Last night I watched the St. Olaf Choir Christmas Concert from Norway on PBS. It was beautiful–a mix of the sacred and the secular–like Christmas.) I love the happy faces. The candles. Nice. All nice.
But let’s talk about Christmas tradition:
December 25 coincides with the Winter Solstice, a pagan celebration, and not with the actual birthdate of Jesus.
The Christmas song “O Tannenbaum” was based on a 16th century tune, put to secular lyrics in 1824.
Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in 1843. While it ends with, “God bless us, every one!”, it’s a morality tale about the rich holding terrible power over the poor.
Irving Berlin, a Jewish songwriter, wrote “White Christmas” in the late 1930s and it became the most popular Christmas song of all time.
Charles Schultz’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was released in 1965 and has been shown every year since.
We love “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Let It Snow” and “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. We love red and green and silver and gold. We love twinkly lights and Santa and snowmen. And elves. We love elves. WE LOVE CHRISTMAS!
And you’re spoiling it for us.
It takes all the fun out of it when you think you get to decide for us how we’re supposed to spend Christmas. For you, Jesus is the reason for the season. Amen to that. For us, it’s a wonderful, happy holiday that is open to so many interpretations you could get the idea it’s mainly about peace on Earth, goodwill toward mankind.
But we would never know it now, what with this sudden ruckus about putting Christ back in Christmas–as if there were sinister factions out there trying to erase him for all eternity, the main weapon being two words: “Happy Holidays”.
If Christmas means Christ to you, there is no better time than the Yuletide to celebrate him. But you simply cannot butt into our celebrations, Grinch-like, throwing wet blankets all over our happy days. If there is a war on Christmas, it’s a one-sided battle and it’s coming from you. You can have it. For me, it’s the happiest, happiest time of the year. I feel love in the air and I plan on enjoying every minute of it.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a joyous New Year.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 18:21
OTOH, I told someone “Merry Christmas” on Facebook. He unfriended me. People are very touchy. I say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. I’m fine with hearing either one in response.
There is no war on Christmas except from those that apply strict rules, as if they own the Pagan holiday.
Happy Festivus, y’all!
Hirightnow December 21st, 2014 at 19:37
Joyous Kwanzaa right back at ya!
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 20:15
<3
Budda December 21st, 2014 at 20:08
If someone “unfriended” me because I said Merry Christmas to them ( and I am not religious at all) I would also tell them to got fornicate themselves.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 20:20
I might have accidentally on purpose dropped an F-Bomb.
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 20:11
I feel a little guilty that I really don’t care. About the verbiage that is. I’m as atheist as they come, but I understand that people repeat patterns that are familiar to them. Most people don’t even understand the implications of what they say. Including myself! Nobody’s perfect.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 20:23
This is how Open Carry Texas wished people a Merry Christmas on Facebook. Now this is offensive:
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 20:42
That’s impressive. Where’s the swastika? I mean, if they’re going there…
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 20:57
I REALLY didn’t need to see that. NIghtmares tonight. Do they go off at midnight on Christmas Eve?
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 21:02
If they open fire, I hope they’ll be standing in a circle. (Did I just type that out loud?)
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 21:02
That picture really stuck in my mind. It’s dark, cold, and cruel. Really vile stuff.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 21:50
Same here. It really bugged the hell out of me.
Dwendt44 December 21st, 2014 at 22:25
Particularly since most, if not all, OCT are christians and this is a Jewish symbol.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 22:56
If they met Jesus today, they’d call him a thug. Jesus had dark skin, after all. And by the way, where did He get all those fish?
Jesus was unemployed. They would call Him a “moocher.”
Dwendt44 December 21st, 2014 at 23:05
At the very least JC would be called a commie socialist liberal.
Don’t forget that back in his day, he didn’t bath, wiped his butt with his bare hand, and didn’t brush his teeth, or comb his hair.
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 04:11
Menorah
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 12:27
Gunorah?
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 13:48
Back in the motherland ,,yes
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 04:11
This is the Israeli variety
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 20:59
I don’t care, either, but apparently some people do. I have a feeling they don’t know why, either. They just go along to get along.
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 12:26
For the rest’ve us!
Anomaly 100 December 22nd, 2014 at 14:36
Hey R.J. ! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 15:57
I hope we get snow! But it’s probably not going to happen.
Anomaly 100 December 22nd, 2014 at 16:08
I’m hoping for snow, too, but it looks like we’re only get rain.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 19:21
OTOH, I told someone “Merry Christmas” on Facebook. He unfriended me. People are very touchy. I say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. I’m fine with hearing either one in response. nnnThere is no war on Christmas except from those that apply strict rules, as if they own the Pagan holiday.nnHappy Festivus, y’all!
Hirightnow December 21st, 2014 at 20:37
Joyous Kwanzaa right back at ya!
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 21:15
<3
Budda December 21st, 2014 at 21:08
If someone “unfriended” me because I said Merry Christmas to them ( and I am not religious at all) I would also tell them to got fornicate themselves.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 21:20
I might have accidentally on purpose dropped an F-Bomb.
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 21:11
I feel a little guilty that I really don’t care. About the verbiage that is. I’m as atheist as they come, but I understand that people repeat patterns that are familiar to them. Most people don’t even understand the implications of what they say. Including myself! Nobody’s perfect.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 21:23
This is how Open Carry Texas wished people a Merry Christmas on Facebook. Now this is offensive:
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 21:42
That’s impressive. Where’s the swastika? I mean, if they’re going there…
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 21:57
I REALLY didn’t need to see that. NIghtmares tonight. Do they go off at midnight on Christmas Eve?
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 22:02
If they open fire, I hope they’ll be standing in a circle. (Did I just type that out loud?)
FrankenPC . December 21st, 2014 at 22:02
That picture really stuck in my mind. It’s dark, cold, and cruel. Really vile stuff.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 22:50
Same here. It really bugged the hell out of me.
Dwendt44 December 21st, 2014 at 23:25
Particularly since most, if not all, OCT are christians and this is a Jewish symbol.
Anomaly 100 December 21st, 2014 at 23:56
If they met Jesus today, they’d call him a thug. Jesus had dark skin, after all. And by the way, where did He get all those fish?nnJesus was unemployed. They would call Him a “moocher.”
Dwendt44 December 22nd, 2014 at 00:05
At the very least JC would be called a commie socialist liberal. nDon’t forget that back in his day, he didn’t bath, wiped his butt with his bare hand, and didn’t brush his teeth, or comb his hair.
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 05:11
Menorah
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 13:27
Gunorah?
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 14:48
Back in the motherland ,,yes
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 05:11
This is the Israeli variety
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 21:59
I don’t care, either, but apparently some people do. I have a feeling they don’t know why, either. They just go along to get along.
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 13:26
For the rest’ve us!
Anomaly 100 December 22nd, 2014 at 15:36
Hey R.J. ! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 16:57
I hope we get snow! But it’s probably not going to happen.
Anomaly 100 December 22nd, 2014 at 17:08
I’m hoping for snow, too, but it looks like we’re only get rain.
Robert M. Snyder December 21st, 2014 at 19:27
When I was growing up in the Protestant faith, people used to say that Christmas was becoming too commercialized. Now people like Hannity complain when a *big-box store* says “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. How ironic that the commercialism is no longer questioned, and the emphasis is merely on slogans.
Robert M. Snyder December 21st, 2014 at 20:27
When I was growing up in the Protestant faith, people used to say that Christmas was becoming too commercialized. Now people like Hannity complain when a *big-box store* says “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. How ironic that the commercialism is no longer questioned, and the emphasis is merely on slogans.
Hirightnow December 21st, 2014 at 19:36
I SO want to give Ramona a hug for this article!
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 20:54
Thank you! But I still have a cold and might be contagious so let’s wait a while, okay?
Hirightnow December 21st, 2014 at 20:36
I SO want to give Ramona a hug for this article!
Ramona Grigg December 21st, 2014 at 21:54
Thank you! But I still have a cold and might be contagious so let’s wait a while, okay?
mea_mark December 21st, 2014 at 19:50
It’s not a war on Christmas. It’s a hijacking by the right-wing turning Christmas into something that celebrates their supposed moral dominance over others.
Happy holidays to all. And always appreciate Christ-like activities when you recognize them. The Principals Are The Reason For The Season.
burqa December 22nd, 2014 at 00:51
There is certainly a ‘war on Christmas,’ though I don’t care for the metaphor.
There are people who are anti-Christian bigots who seem to get extra angry and resentful when they see us celebrating this holiday. They get all thin-skinned and seem to be out to provoke. Getting upset because someone said “merry Christmas”? That’s just as stupid as being upset because someone said ‘happy holidays.” Both just need to stop it.
I think we’d all be better off if everyone were to just stop looking for things to get angry over and leave those who do things differently alone. Be tolerant and respectful, even if they do Hannukah and you do the Solstice and someone else does Christmas or whatever.
It’s not enough to just select one group being offensive. Indeed, it’s hypocritical. I think we should be consistent and object to all of the sourpusses, regardless of the degree to which we agree with them.
I’ll be celebrating with my family (YAAY!), which includes some conservatives, none of whom claim any moral dominance. We all set poltics aside and enjoy our time together.
It seems to me the thing to do is find joy and love in whatever way suits you, and to be tolerant and respectful and supportive of those who are different.
mea_mark December 21st, 2014 at 20:50
It’s not a war on Christmas. It’s a hijacking by the right-wing turning Christmas into something that celebrates their supposed moral dominance over others. nnnHappy holidays to all. And always appreciate Christ-like activities when you recognize them. The Principals Are The Reason For The Season.
burqa December 22nd, 2014 at 01:51
There is certainly a ‘war on Christmas,’ though I don’t care for the metaphor.nThere are people who are anti-Christian bigots who seem to get extra angry and resentful when they see us celebrating this holiday. They get all thin-skinned and seem to be out to provoke. Getting upset because someone said “merry Christmas”? That’s just as stupid as being upset because someone said ‘happy holidays.” Both just need to stop it.nnnI think we’d all be better off if everyone were to just stop looking for things to get angry over and leave those who do things differently alone. Be tolerant and respectful, even if they do Hannukah and you do the Solstice and someone else does Christmas or whatever.nIt’s not enough to just select one group being offensive. Indeed, it’s hypocritical. I think we should be consistent and object to all of the sourpusses, regardless of the degree to which we agree with them.nnnI’ll be celebrating with my family (YAAY!), which includes some conservatives, none of whom claim any moral dominance. We all set poltics aside and enjoy our time together. nIt seems to me the thing to do is find joy and love in whatever way suits you, and to be tolerant and respectful and supportive of those who are different.
SteveD December 21st, 2014 at 21:57
The underlying belief described by Ms. Grigg’s friend’s email is that any absence of pro-Christian bias, for example, a correspondence not saying “Merry Christmas,” becomes exactly the same as anti-Christian bias. (Of course the opposite of this can be applied in the example Anomaly 100 gives below.) Both cases are best described as false-dilemma rhetoric. The bias mis-interpretation merely advances claims that Christians (or Non-Christians, atheists,etc) are being persecuted. Small minds indeed.
SteveD December 21st, 2014 at 22:57
The underlying belief described by Ms. Grigg’s friend’s email is that any absence of pro-Christian bias, for example, a correspondence not saying “Merry Christmas,” becomes exactly the same as anti-Christian bias. (Of course the opposite of this can be applied in the example Anomaly 100 gives below.) Both cases are best described as false-dilemma rhetoric. The bias mis-interpretation merely advances claims that Christians (or Non-Christians, atheists,etc) are being persecuted. Small minds indeed.
cecilia December 21st, 2014 at 22:11
I must say I have gotten quite sick and tired of christmas – the whole commercialism, the frenzy of shopping, the obsession of O’Moron and his stupid “War”, blah, blah freaking blah! I hate the xmas songs and merch appearing in some stores BEFORE Halloween!! It’s getting regod-damn-dickulous!
The only thing that gives me that “Feeling” is watching A Christmas Story.
I’d be more than happy to ignore the entire thing.
So, I will celebrate Newton’s birthday, Festivas for The Rest of Us and Solstice.
The rest of you can kiss my a$$
:)
Dwendt44 December 21st, 2014 at 22:27
Well, O’Reilly now says HE won the ‘war on christmas’. Not sure if that means he’s given up and trying to save face, or if he means just for this year.
cecilia December 21st, 2014 at 22:57
the only thing he’s “won” is The Prize Dunce
fancypants December 22nd, 2014 at 03:56
Due to a lack of xmas haters this year bill has decided to put the bottle down. you cant drink too much of that Kool-Aid or people will start to gossip
burqa December 22nd, 2014 at 00:36
I’m so sorry you feel that way. I can understand your objections and in general agree with them. I felt that way for quite some time but then I realized I was letting this other stuff intrude on me in a way I did not have to allow.
I’ve recovered it in my life as a joyous time and enjoy it much. It’s a beautiful time if we make it so.
That is the key – celebrate it as you wish, whatever brings you pleasure and meaning.
It doesn’t sound like a very good time to be around bitter people who wish so many others who do things differently to kiss their a$$ when they celebrate of Newton’s birthday, Festivus and the Solstice.
As for me, I’m pretty much in agreement with Ms. Gregg in what I celebrate. At the same time, I wish my Jewish friends to have a wonderful Hannukah, and extend the same wishes to those who will be celebrating Newton’s birthday, Festivus or the Solstice or anything else.
I think we can approach it differently and still be generous to others in our wishes for them and accepting them for doing things differently.
I object to those who insist I celebrate the way they do, regardless of what they are doing, regardless of what makes them happy at this time.
I think tolerance is called for and not anger toward those who are not celebrating the way we are.
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 09:50
Who concocts a War on Christmas? Only a scrooge. But who follows along? That’s the scary part. Some of us will buy into anything, but I always thought Christmas would be safe from hate.
cecilia December 23rd, 2014 at 12:50
I’m not “bitter”, but I feel that the christmas season (whatever particular holiday you may celebrate) is about family/friends. Enjoying their company, having a nice meal, appreciating everyone that you love and care in your life.
It’s NOT about making a stampede to some expensive product in a store.
it’s NOT showing off in public that YOU are some fabulous “christian” by inventing a ridiculous war on christmas.
I’m sick and tired of idiots making a mockery of the things that really matter.
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 09:48
I like your style. You give permission for everyone to do their thing this season. Maybe you could make a carol out of that last line. Lol.
cecilia December 23rd, 2014 at 12:43
if I had musical talent I would..I’ll have to suggest that to musicians I know.
cecilia December 21st, 2014 at 23:11
I must say I have gotten quite sick and tired of christmas – the whole commercialism, the frenzy of shopping, the obsession of O’Moron and his stupid “War”, blah, blah freaking blah! I hate the xmas songs and merch appearing in some stores BEFORE Halloween!! It’s getting regod-damn-dickulous!nnnThe only thing that gives me that “Feeling” is watching A Christmas Story.nnnI’d be more than happy to ignore the entire thing.nnnSo, I will celebrate Newton’s birthday, Festivas for The Rest of Us and Solstice. nThe rest of you can kiss my a$$nnn:)
Dwendt44 December 21st, 2014 at 23:27
Well, O’Reilly now says HE won the ‘war on christmas’. Not sure if that means he’s given up and trying to save face, or if he means just for this year.
cecilia December 21st, 2014 at 23:57
the only thing he’s “won” is The Prize Dunce
fancypants December 22nd, 2014 at 04:56
Due to a lack of xmas haters this year bill has decided to put the bottle down. you cant drink too much of that Kool-Aid or people will start to gossip
burqa December 22nd, 2014 at 01:36
I’m so sorry you feel that way. I can understand your objections and in general agree with them. I felt that way for quite some time but then I realized I was letting this other stuff intrude on me in a way I did not have to allow.nI’ve recovered it in my life as a joyous time and enjoy it much. It’s a beautiful time if we make it so.nThat is the key – celebrate it as you wish, whatever brings you pleasure and meaning.nnnIt doesn’t sound like a very good time to be around bitter people who wish so many others who do things differently to kiss their a$$ when they celebrate of Newton’s birthday, Festivus and the Solstice.nnnAs for me, I’m pretty much in agreement with Ms. Gregg in what I celebrate. At the same time, I wish my Jewish friends to have a wonderful Hannukah, and extend the same wishes to those who will be celebrating Newton’s birthday, Festivus or the Solstice or anything else.nI think we can approach it differently and still be generous to others in our wishes for them and accepting them for doing things differently.nI object to those who insist I celebrate the way they do, regardless of what they are doing, regardless of what makes them happy at this time.nnnI think tolerance is called for and not anger toward those who are not celebrating the way we are.
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 10:50
Who concocts a War on Christmas? Only a scrooge. But who follows along? That’s the scary part. Some of us will buy into anything, but I always thought Christmas would be safe from hate.
cecilia December 23rd, 2014 at 13:50
I’m not “bitter”, but I feel that the christmas season (whatever particular holiday you may celebrate) is about family/friends. Enjoying their company, having a nice meal, appreciating everyone that you love and care in your life.nnnIt’s NOT about making a stampede to some expensive product in a store.nnnit’s NOT showing off in public that YOU are some fabulous “christian” by inventing a ridiculous war on christmas.nnnI’m sick and tired of idiots making a mockery of the things that really matter.
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 10:48
I like your style. You give permission for everyone to do their thing this season. Maybe you could make a carol out of that last line. Lol.
cecilia December 23rd, 2014 at 13:43
if I had musical talent I would..I’ll have to suggest that to musicians I know.
fancypants December 22nd, 2014 at 01:17
what’s wrong with this picture roma ? the child is freaked out there is snow shooting through the fire place and swirling around the xmas tree.
mixed message or not Happy holidays to you
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 09:42
I see it as the magic of Christmas, but then I was a highly imaginative child. I believed my dolls came alive at night but no matter how hard I tried to stay awake to see it, I never could. I believed in Santa long after other kids did, too. I love this painting. It speaks to me.
A joyous holiday to you!
Dwendt44 December 22nd, 2014 at 11:54
the child looks more curious than freaked out.
fancypants December 22nd, 2014 at 02:17
what’s wrong with this picture roma ? the child is freaked out there is snow shooting through the fire place and swirling around the xmas tree.nmixed message or not Happy holidays to you
Ramona Grigg December 22nd, 2014 at 10:42
I see it as the magic of Christmas, but then I was a highly imaginative child. I believed my dolls came alive at night but no matter how hard I tried to stay awake to see it, I never could. I believed in Santa long after other kids did, too. I love this painting. It speaks to me.nnA joyous holiday to you!
Dwendt44 December 22nd, 2014 at 12:54
the child looks more curious than freaked out.
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 04:13
Bah Hum Bug
rg9rts December 22nd, 2014 at 05:13
Bah Hum Bug
VeggieTart December 22nd, 2014 at 09:37
If you want to say Merry Christmas, say Merry Christmas. I honestly don’t mind. But please don’t get your panties in a wad because I prefer Happy Holidays, recognizing that there are several celebrations in December besides the one roughly four days after the Winter Solstice.
My favorite meme this year says that instead of trying to put the Christ back in Christmas we put the Christ back in Christianity.
Dwendt44 December 22nd, 2014 at 11:53
you ask too much./s
VeggieTart December 22nd, 2014 at 10:37
If you want to say Merry Christmas, say Merry Christmas. I honestly don’t mind. But please don’t get your panties in a wad because I prefer Happy Holidays, recognizing that there are several celebrations in December besides the one roughly four days after the Winter Solstice.nnnMy favorite meme this year says that instead of trying to put the Christ back in Christmas we put the Christ back in Christianity.
Dwendt44 December 22nd, 2014 at 12:53
you ask too much./s
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 12:25
Frankly, I wish you’d all get back to the tradition of the season, and start leaving food in your shoes for Krampus and his belsnickels.
R.J. Carter December 22nd, 2014 at 13:25
Frankly, I wish you’d all get back to the tradition of the season, and start leaving food in your shoes for Krampus and his belsnickels.