Is it OK to celebrate Christmas anymore?

[mommax3]

I don't mind the term "Happy Holidays", either, and I have said it many times.....especially with so many holidays so close together starting with Thanksgiving. What I DO mind is the exclusion of "Merry Christmas" from the approved list of pc greetings at this time of year, along with nativity scenes, Christmas carols, and any mention of the reason christians consider Christmas to be special, even if it isn't when historians believe Jesus was actually born, as ljnamaste rightly pointed out. I do not want to see the other holidays celebrated in December go into hiding, nor do I wish to exclude any pertinent symbols/songs/explanations of those holidays from the public. I wish I were extended the same courtesy from the minority of people who do not attach any religious significance to Christmas and want to eradicate any mention of the reasons I (and many, many others) celebrate it. The only stance I feel like I am taking is one in defense of including ALL celebrations, instead of all but one. Does "Christmas" have to go underground because it was the main winter holiday celebrated for several years in America when our population was more homogenous, and sometimes (understandably, btw) people of other faiths were offended to not have their beliefs represented? Is it payback time now? It seems like that is the case, and THAT is what I don't agree with.

Anyway, we are leaving tomorrow morning and I won't be around until January 2nd or so. I hope that everyone has a wonderful time celebrating whatever you hold dear, and since Hanukkah and the Solstice are over, I will just say Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year, and hope that I don't offend anyone.

Sally

[PrincessFiona]

I guess I dont' have a huge problem with the idea of saying 'happy holidays' simply because we knows so many people who celebrate diff. things this time of year... It's too bad that there are no more 'christmas programs' and yet I know that if I was jewish I'd probably be rolling my eyes if everywhere I went someone was saying 'merry christmas' to me. I think it's respectful to the various religions being practiced to say happy holidays...and then people can privately and with friends/family talk about the specific holiday (christmas, hannuka etc) that they are celebrating along with their religious beliefs.

That being said...what kinds of religious things do people do in their own homes to celebrate their holiday?

Most of you know I'm not terribly religious anymore, but for the kids this year we are having them do a nativity play for us (the parents and my mom/brother). My daughter will read the story of Jesus' birth and the boys will be placing the people in the nativity scene as she talks about them. That, from me...is everyone surprised? How do you guys bring your religious beliefs into the 'season'?

kris

[HeartRN]

I have to be perfectly honest...we don't do anything "religious" in our household so to speak. And I really have no issue with honoring what other people celebrate, even though I celebrate Christmas; I have friends with greatly varying backgrounds and religions. I guess I tend to agree with Sally...I say "Happy Holidays" as much as "Merry Christmas", without really thinking about it too much....it's just when people take issue with saying "Merry Christmas" at all (plus celebrating it with parades, parties at school, etc) that I get annoyed. I guess it goes along the whole line of EVERYTHING these days striving to be so "inclusive" so as not to offend people. I remember when I used to go to the post office at this time of year and the worker would give me Christmas (or whatever holiday) stamps without even asking me if I wanted them. Now you have to specifically request them because they won't even ask you or just give them to you when you request stamps. It just seems so....for lack of a better term....SILLY. Anyhow.....Happy Ranahanakwansmas (ACLU approved term ) everybody!!!

[PrincessFiona]

It is funny that everything has to be so PC, isn't it? Not just Christmas, but everything else..I do get tired of trying to keep up with what is 'ok'.

kris

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas this so cute!!!
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I celebrate Christmas, and I'm not offended when I see Hannuka wrapping paper or what have you. I wouldn't be offended if someone wished me a Happy Kwanzaa. I think its all been blown way out of proportion. I do understand not having a Christmas tree in schools and the like, but in general I feel that you should celebrate what you like, and enjoy it rather than worrying about what everyone else is celebrating.

[PrincessFiona]

This year my kids didn't even have a 'winter concert'. In years past, it was the christmas concernt...then winter...now nothing. I think it's too bad that we've gotten so PC that we can't even have things like this anymore.

[HeartRN]

Agreed! Although, I was happy to see that Keelin made a Christmas tree at daycare andit was sent home with her. I saw menorahs hanging in the daycare room, too. I don't know if all the kids made both or what, and frankly I don't really care...I was just happy that they did SOMETHING related to the holidays!!!