The war over the “war on Christmas” has always been a lopsided battle. On one side, a vocal set of conservative culture warriors works itself into a frenzy every December, pouncing on high-profile targets who prefer using the word “holiday” where “Christmas” used to suffice. The other side is a less-passionate, unorganized set of actors: elected officials, school administrators, office managers, and retail workers who, for the most part, just want to make sure everyone feels welcome during the holiday season. The annual bout of wintery bluster is tiring; at this point, both sides should work to defuse the controversy instead of fanning the flames.
The conservative attack dogs ought to remember that the Christmas spirit is best expressed through charity, forgiveness, and merriment — not shouting from the bully pulpit or through a bullhorn. And those attempting to tiptoe along the perilously thin line of political correctness should instead avoid twisting themselves into absurd positions. Such was the case last year when Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee refused to call a tree decorated with lights, bulbs, and tinsel a Christmas tree. Instead, he preferred the term “holiday tree.”
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It is funny that the Globe makes such a weak case for the political correctness that is trying to make Christmas a secular holiday. I love the way the culture warriors are putting feet to the fire in calling out this nonsense. Our nation is a Christian nation, even if we do not allow our government to support any religion. But we were founded by Christians, and we are a majority Christian nation. Anyone who feels "unwelcome" ought to seek a home elsewhere. Part of our greatness as a nation is our Christianity, and we should proudly celebrate the birth of our savior.
How very christian of you, keping with the holiday spirit, to suggest that I leave the country of my birth, a country I dare say I love as much as any christian, because I don't believe in your god. Happy Holidays!
It is precisely because we are not a Christian nation that makes the U.S. great.
Having said that, we should call things what they are. A Christmas tree is a Christmas tree. Government offices should not recognize this religious ceremony. People should be able to take the day off just like people take off other common religious holidays.
Easily one of the most one-sided editorials in Globe history. Who do you think you are kidding?
Wait, so the way the Globe suggests the "truce" be realized is for the "attack dog" side to shut up, and for the "regular people" side to ignore the attack dogs?
Let me know how that idea works.
Seriously, though, while I agree that the "war on Christmas" makes for an unnecessarilly maertial atmosphere during a season of peace and acceptance, the reason people are increasingly militant about this is that people like Linc Chafee are driving them nuts with poorly reasoned politically correctness. There is no reason under applicable Supreme Court jurisprudence why he can't call a Christmas tree a Christmas tree, just like he calls a Hannukah menora a Hannukah menora.
And there is no reason why he shouldn't.
The better advice would be for the attack dogs not to bark so loudly, and for the bureaucrats to develop some judgment and have a more intelligent, less knee-jerk reaction.
Pretty poor piece of work, and not too helpful.
As an elected offical said last week, Merry Season, everyone!
Lincoln Chafee should call it a holiday tree because it is a holiday tree. People who are upset at Lincoln Chafee should get their families together and decorate the Christmas trees that they put up in their own homes. Go hug your kids instead of shouting whenever a public official reminds you that Christianity is not the law of the land.
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Can't we just celebrate and be happy? If a Christmas tree upsets you or a menorah, then that is your issue. Personally I like all the decorations...I even like Halloween decorations. Pretty soon people will be standing up and yelling in restaurants when the waitstaff are singing happy birthday to a patron. They'll scream that it isn't their birthday and this is infringing upon their rights. The celebration of others should not upset you...join in, don't...but either way relax...
Still, you have to admit that Chafee, on this subject at least, is an ******* of truly titanic proportions. Holiday tree? Come on, Linc!
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Holiday tree? Xmas tree? It's a bloody tree with a name attached to it. Who else would care except someone totally obsessed with symbolism? Linc wants to call it a Xmas tree, fine by me. Wants to call it a holdiay tree, fine by me. The bloody thing doesn't even have religious implications, Jesus by the Xmas tree?
Call it what you want Linc and let the folks without a life whine about it. Religious fanatics, they do make the world a miserable place when they try. Then they prepare for the second coming by loading up with weapons and prepping for the apocalypse. Simply amazing.
This may not be exactly the same issue, but I do admit to missing not hearing people at the checkout counter say to me, "Have a Merry Christmas". Yes, I know it is hurtful perhaps to non-Christians to hear "have a Merry Christmas", but the entire so-called "holiday" season leading up to Christmas is because of, well, Christmas, the season of my Christian background, and I just plain miss being told "Merry Christmas" in public venues and, instead, that banal "Happy Holidays". Let's not kid ourselves - those who are Christians often miss that greeting. And to make myself clear, I do understand and appreciate that we are not all Christians by any means - my street is Christian, Jewish and Buddist - but I still miss that ol' "Merry Christmas".
I don't find it hurtful. I don't even find it offensive. You can say Merry Xmas I like it. You can say Happy Holiday's and I like it. Some people are just overly sensitive.
Merry Christmas everyone!