I’m confused. “Happy Holidays” is good, but the ”National Holiday Tree” isn’t? [View all]

[fwiff]

Yes, I do find “Merry Christmas” and a National “Christmas” Tree a bit offensive.

I’ve been on DU for 10+ years, and I’m trying to get my mind around this recently discussed dichotomy that embraces the notion of “Happy Holidays” but disses that of “Holiday” tree.


Like the 2/3rd majority of the world, I’m not Christian. Wishing me a “Merry Christmas” rolls right over who I am- it’s exclusionary, and basically it tells the rest of us, “I only care about what I celebrate, if you don’t like it, too bad.”

It’s the same as being on the receiving end of any traditionally dominant social practice; e.g., sexism, racism, etc.

Most of us here get that. We’ve been leading the war on Christmas, after all.

The word “Christmas” is NAMED AFTER CHRIST for chrissakes. The word may not seem like much to you, but to many of us, it’s that same ‘too bad’ vibe.

So, yes, when the White House has a national “Christmas” tree, it’s the same bloody thing. It’s a governmental practice, and it should either be secularized into ‘holiday’ or abandoned.

Simply replacing the religious word qualifier “Christmas” with the word qualifier “holiday” is inclusive and implies that all are welcome.

IMO, I don’t think any symbols exclusively attributed to a particular religion should be on any government property. And the concept of ‘equal time’ doesn’t exist because, for many people, their celebrations don’t have easily recognized symbols or the holiday is quite different.

Just because something is a tradition doesn’t mean that it’s right or has to stay that way. Christmas trees are of pagan origin and adopted by Christianity (As were the winter festivals). Gift giving was associated with St Nicolas, (Santa predates Christmas) but after the reformation became associated with Jesus and, voila, Christmas!

Traditions change. We democrats often push to change them.

So, yeah, I wouldn’t resign a council position over it, but public displays should be inclusive and not associated with any particular religion(s).

And Happy Holidays to all.