'Tis the Season

The Christmas lights are all up and the retailers are frantic.  The children are shaking presents and trying to be on their best behavior.  Meanwhile the parents are hoping that next years tax refund will pay off the bills from this Christmas.  And amidst this, a non-controversy seems to be the issue of the day.

For as long as I can remember, the phrases "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" have been widely used at this time of year.  I remember decorating grade school classrooms with just those phrases and they have long been staples of the greeting card and wrapping paper industries.  Now suddenly this is offensive, and the only acceptable thing to say is "Merry Christmas", at least to an extremely loud and annoying segment of the population. 

The propaganda is, some conspiracy group, in an attempt to outlaw Christianity, is trying to force everyone to stop mentioning Christmas.  I'm assuming this latest bout of stupidity has its origins at Fox News, or somewhere within the deluded religious right wing brain trust.  Whatever the source, my already tenuous trust in mankind is being eroded by the mindless multitude who are jumping on this bandwagon.  Sadly, this includes friends and even family.

Personally, I rarely say "Merry Christmas", except on Christmas day.  I will occasionally return the phrase when someone says it to me, or just say "you too".  I also don't tell people "Happy Birthday" if it's not their birthday, don't comment about the lovely weather when it's raining, or tell a vegan "You look like you need a good steak".

Not everyone in the world celebrates Christmas.  Shocking I know.  Wal-Mart is hoping the government will step in and make Christmas gifts mandatory.  Some that don't celebrate Christmas, but observe the holiday have their own rationale.  Jewish families I knew in San Diego would decorate their house and tree using only blue and white lights, and refer to the tree as a Hanukkah bush.  It's a case of "When in Rome..."

"Happy Holidays" makes sense to me.  As a child, the two week period at the end of every year was magical.  No school, homemade cookies and candies, and four separate holidays to be celebrated.  Christmas eve was a large family get-together, Christmas day was presents in the morning, then more presents and a big dinner in the afternoon.  Then a week later there was New Years eve and New Years day.  Football games, parades and all the new toys.  Time with family and friends, good food and happy memories.  It wasn't just Christmas, it was The Holidays.

I understand, it's Christmas and it's all about Jesus Christ, and the mistletoe, holly, decorations, pine trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, elves and presents are somehow all connected.  Just another example of how Christians are being persecuted.  So persecuted that it is almost impossible to find a place where Christians can gather together safely.  From where I sit, I can't see anyplace like that.  Now if I moved 20 feet to the front window, I could see four such places, and if trees and buildings weren't in the way, I could see another six.  So persecuted that you can't find any mention of churches in the newspaper, unless you turn to the page(s) most papers devote strictly to church news, advertisements and announcements.  In fact, Christians are so persecuted that Christian Bibles are nearly impossible to come by, unless you check any library, book store or hotel room.

Throughout history, persecution has been present for different groups in different places.  Ask anyone who has been a victim of persecution and you might begin to understand.  "Happy Holidays" isn't persecution.  It's considerate and kind.  It's saying "we may not believe the same, but I wish you happiness".  With that in mind, may your celebrations during this season bring you hope and good cheer, and may the coming year bring you joy.  Happy Holidays.