Article Contributed on: 12/12/2006 9:44:19 AM
Recently, I was talking to some kids at school about our upcoming Christmas break. One of the boys said that he prefers to call it winter break because some people don't celebrate Christmas. To me, those are fighting words. Or, at the very least, arguing words.
I told the young man that just because one chooses to not celebrate the holiday does not negate its existence. I then went on to talk about decorations in the stores. I asked him if they are called Christmas decorations or winter decorations. Of course, he answered, they are called Christmas decorations. I then asked, what are the trees called that we put in our homes and decorate? Are they Christmas trees or winter trees? Again, he stated they are Christmas trees.
Then I asked him about Thanksgiving, Easter, Independence Day...you get the picture. Are they holidays, I asked? Of course, he replied. Christmas is, too, I said. It is historical and there is a reason why it is celebrated, although different people celebrate it for different reasons.
I went on to explain that I do not celebrate Halloween, but I do acknowledge its very real existence. Just because I choose to not partake in the festivities surrounding the holiday does not make it any less real. It is very real indeed and I have to patiently listen while hundreds of kids at school talk about trick-or-treating and costumes. Halloween is a reality to many, but I choose to ignore it. I don't go around protesting it or telling others to not celebrate it. I simply choose to make my own decisions and let others make theirs.
Today, there was a story in the news about a Rabbi who was offended because an airport in Seattle had 14 plastic holiday trees, but no menorah. He complained about the trees, they were removed, and he was surprised. He should have known in our politically-correct society that something would be done about it. Why was he surprised?
Now the trees have now been restored to their original position. Apparently Rabbi
Elazar Bogomilsky wanted an 8-foot-tall menorah added to the display, but airport managers believed they would then have to display symbols of other religions and cultures, which was not something airport workers had time for during the busiest travel season of the year.
I have no problem with a menorah being added to the display as I love and respect Jewish people very much. I respect their holiday as well and their right to worship freely. I have more of an issue with airport officials who chose to get rid of the trees. It is Christmas. What is next? Will we have the politcally-correct police combing through malls, looking for any signs that say "Christmas" and replacing them with "Merry Winter" or some other crazy thing?
Like it or not, it is Christmastime. Millions of people around the world celebrate it. And it will continue to be celebrated. No one is forcing anyone to acknowledge it, just as no one will take away my right to say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays.