In celebrating my first Christmas in retirement, I am sharing past columns I’ve written about Christmas. I call them the 12 columns of Christmas. The following was written for Dec.25, 2011.
Merry Christmas.
I really mean it.
I hope you have happy holidays, too. And season’s greetings and any other generic wishes you can think of saying.
Mostly, I wish you Merry Christmas.
Because that’s what I believe.
So much has been written and debated in recent years about being politically correct at this time of year, and we do need to be considerate of others’ feelings and beliefs. But how does eliminating references to Christmas accomplish that? Doing that is offensive to many people.
Today is Christmas Day. Let’s not pretend it’s not.
The tree in your living room is a Christmas tree, as emphasized in the recent flap raised by Gov. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island when he referred to the tree in the Statehouse as a “holiday tree.”
For many people, houses are trimmed with Christmas decorations. We send out Christmas cards, sing Christmas carols and make Christmas cookies.
Before I go further, this is not an objection to other religious observances. But if I’m a Christian, why shouldn’t I wish you Merry Christmas. I’d be honored to have my Jewish friends and acquaintances say Happy Hanukkah. I believe the same for other observations. We place a Christmas tree in our office. We also place a menorah. I’m happy to see both.
If we really believe and follow our faith, why should we hide it? Isn’t sharing a big part of our faith?
I understand the issues of restricting religious symbols on public property. Our nation was founded in large part to allow religious freedom. That’s why it’s important to maintain the separation of church and state.
Those issues are easily resolved by placing religious displays and symbols on private property where they can be viewed by the public. I’m sure there is plenty of that space available.
Hiding or ignoring the references to Christmas and what they mean makes no sense to me.
Let’s get back to what Christmas really stands for. It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope he represents to the world. So how can we celebrate Christmas and ignore Jesus? Even if you’re not a Christian, the hope of the Christmas season extends to the entire world.
I’m not suggesting we eliminate Santa Claus. That wouldn’t go over well with my grandchildren. Besides, Santa represents the spirit of giving. Notice I wrote giving, not getting.
So how did we reach the point where Christmas has become a generic holiday celebration in many areas? Why do many people — including many Christians — believe “happy holidays” is an acceptable substitute for “Merry Christmas”?
Perhaps it is because some people feel they should be able to celebrate this special time of year even if they don’t observe, believe or acknowledge the reason for the season. They are free to do that. But those observations should not replace Christmas.
Perhaps it’s because of a small segment of nonbelievers who are overwhelmed by the impact of the real Christmas spirit and somehow feel Christians are forcing their beliefs on others.
More likely, it’s the result of people hiding behind a false concern of offending others. So they avoid a greeting that represents joy, peace and hope. Seriously?
Well, Christmas is not generic. So don’t pretend it’s something it’s not. And don’t try to hide it.
It’s Christmas day. If you’re a Christian, enjoy the day for what it really is. If you’re not, at least acknowledge and respect it. Don’t try to put my observance and others’ under wraps, so to speak. But do enjoy whatever holiday you choose to celebrate.
I really mean that.
Merry Christmas.
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