Merrappy Chrismukkahzaastice!

Lorraine started it. I guess I have to add my two cents. I'm sick and tired of all the brouhaha over Christmas vs. (and for you young 'uns, that's VERSUS, not "verse" - but that's a whole 'nother post) every other religion's - or non-religion's - celebration of whatever this time of year represents. Puh-leeze! Okay, so America is now more multicultural than ever, which I guess means we have to be sensitive to all those other cultures when we celebrate holidays that have been celebrated in this country since its inception. We have to try not to offend anyone. Right. Since that is clearly not possible (heck, people get offended all the time - by someone wearing perfume, by someone wearing leather, by someone whose skin is a different color, by someone who doesn't smile at them....you get the picture), those in charge (you know - "they") have decided in a lot of cases to simply not publicly celebrate the season at all. Retailers don't count. They celebrate anything that even remotely smacks of increased sales. But thanks to our desire to be sensitive, many public facilities no longer put up Christmas decorations because they realize they are bound to offend someone. Even if they put up a menorah, don't put up a nativity (I still don't get why it's okay to put up a Jewish religious symbol, but not okay to put up a Christian one, but that's a whole 'nother post too), and refer to Kwanzaa (which has somewhat suspect origins) and the Solstice, they're going to get it from the atheists and humanists, and probably the Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, so they've started opting for nothing. How pathetic. Why do we feel compelled to throw away our long-held traditions and celebrations simply because the makeup of our society has changed? I doubt Americans or Europeans who live in Asian countries expect them to dismantle their Buddhas or start putting up Christmas trees and nativity scenes; and even if they did, good luck with that. It's not like the U.S. is the only country in the world with a multicultural population. Why are we very nearly the only country in the world who feels compelled to do these things?

Don't get me wrong. I don't think there is anything wrong at all with putting up symbols from any culture in celebration of any holiday. I think everyone should be able to celebrate their holidays with displays in their windows, on their rooftops, whatever, without worrying that someone down the road is going to sue them. I think every business should have that same option. And I even think public agencies, like airports, should be allowed to do likewise, but because they do serve - or perhaps better, represent, people from such diverse cultures, they should try to incorporate as many cultures in their displays as possible, within reason. But if they fail to represent your specific cultural celebration, don't go getting your panties in a twist. You don't visit Saudi Arabia on December 25 and get offended because they don't have nativity scenes or Christmas trees, do you? This is still a predominantly Christian society, with Christians making up over 76% of the population, with secularism coming in second at 13%, Judaism at just over 1%, and all other religions comprising the other 10%. (Taken from ARIS - American Religious Identity Study). Why do the 76% who do celebrate Christmas have to take a back seat to the other 24% who celebrate nothing or a wide array of holidays this time of year? Please, can't we all just get along and tolerate each other?

In the spirit of tolerance, Merrappy Chrismukkahzaastice to all!