Weekend question
Liberty Counsel has published its “Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign ‘Naughty & Nice List'” of national merchants that do and don’t acknowledge the premiere holiday this season, CHRISTmas.
CNS News reports stores are getting in the Christmas spirit again, after a low point 4 years ago…
Mathew Staver, founder and president of [Liberty] Counsel… said that his organization began its… [c]ampaign 7 years ago to support Christmas and fight its censorship in the public square…. Staver said[2005] seemed to represent the pinnacle of anti-Christmas sentiment….
That year stores like Wal-Mart, Sears and K-Mart made the “naughty” list for forbidding their employees to wish customers “Merry Christmas” and using the label “holiday” in stores to describe Christmas merchandise ranging from trees to decorations.
But since then, Staver said the trend has been that more and more businesses have been putting Christmas back into their seasonal promotions and moving from the counsel’s “naughty” to its “nice list” – including Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Sears.
The first year, the “naughty” and “nice” lists were about the same length, but this year the “nice list” is significantly longer, Staver said….
“They said that they were trying to be inclusive and sensitive,” Staver said. “The fact is, they’re being insensitive to a holiday that’s celebrated by the majority of Americans and people around the world.”…
Almost 30 businesses, however, remain on the “naughty” list for Christmas censorship….
Staver said it’s really up to consumers to send a message by supporting businesses who support Christmas.
“Every consumer should make a list and check it twice, stop patronizing retailers which are naughty and shop at those which are nice,” Staver said in a press release announcing the release of the annual list. “Retailers which seek to profit from Christmas while pretending it does not exist should realize they have offended the vast majority of Americans who enjoy Christmas.
“Customers have a choice, and they will not patronize corporate Scrooges,” Staver said.
My husband and I did some marathon Christmas shopping this week and found much more sensitivity to Christ following store customers.
It was a good week on this topic generally speaking. I attended my grandson’s public school Christmas program and noted the children sang several songs about Christ and baby Jesus. (We did pass a bulletin board acknowledging Ramadan, Kwanzaa, and Pancha Ganapati along with Christmas, but Christmas was the central focal point.)
So what has been your experience out in the gift selling and public school worlds this Christmas season?
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
I’ve noticed at least one store (Bed Bath & Beyond) using a combo greeting of “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.” I find the whole thing kind of ironic — if only they knew the origin of the word holiday!
I don’t go anywhere, so I’m not sure what it’s like out in the real world. But I always try to keep it “Happy Holidays!” when I’m talking to the general public because I’m wishing them a happy New Year, too, and it also avoids excluding non-Christians who don’t celebrate Christmas. Unless I know that the person is a Christian or celebrates Christmas, I say, “Happy Holidays.”
As far as changing the names of Christmas trees, I think that that’s ridiculous because you can’t actually change an aspect of a religious celebration to make it non-religious. No one who is Jewish is being insulted by a Christian calling their holiday what they want, just like no Christian is insulted by Jews referring to it as a menorah instead of “holiday candles.”
“They said that they were trying to be inclusive and sensitive,” Staver said. “The fact is, they’re being insensitive to a holiday that’s celebrated by the majority of Americans and people around the world.”…
AMEN to THAT! Well said.
As far as what I’ve noticed? I don’t go into stores much. I shop online. I’m being taxed to death on payroll and sales, and have issues where my tax dollars are going (especially these days). Call it rebellion, but I do most of my shopping online where I don’t pay sales tax and don’t pay for shipping (which saves me money on gas for the car and also eliminates having to deal with “rude” shoppers during the Christmas season1).
I find it easier to shop this way as well because you get to really shop for the lowest prices. There’s a great way to pay called “Bill me Later”, and many stores will allow you to not make a payment for 90 days. Helps a bunch during Christmas since I’m a procrastinator as well!
But don’t really notice too much Christmas advertising on the web. The only thing I really look for once I’m on a site is the “search” bar.
“Retailers which seek to profit from Christmas, while pretending it does not exist should realize they have offended the vast majority of Americans who enjoy Christmas.”
Like that one too!!
Vannah,
IMO, I could care less if the the “Christmas tree” had a name change or not. In fact, I’d prefer that it did. It really has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. I’ve heard claims that the “tree” has it origin in pagan practices, where people would put an evergreen indoors to ward off evil spirits.
Along with that, altough they are pretty when decorated, I don’t see much need or use for them. I don’t put up a tree, but I decorate my home first with a Nativity set in the focal point of my entrance way. I put up wreaths, pine cones, garland & lots & lots of lights, bows & ornaments. I also fill my home with fragrances such as cinnamon, apple spice and others to give it that cozy, Christmas feeling!
Vannah,
I’m offended by “Happy Holidays”. I think Jesus is too.
It’s like saying “have a good weekend” to someone who’s getting married this weekend.
By the way, I’ve never had one person give me a nasty look or comment when I say Merry Christmas to them. They all smile and say “thank you” or return the greeting. It’s only the very vocal .01% of people who might give you a dirty look and they probably don’t like people much and stay home most of the time. So be brave. Say “Merry Christmas”.
Marie @ 12:48,
I think apples were once eaten by pagans. :)
Janet @ 1:31,
Your point?
While I am not offended my Merry Christmas, neither am I offended by Happy Holidays.
The way I see it is, Merry Christmas refers to a specific day, and there is no problem saying it to anyone…I say it to my Jewish friend, and she answers with Happy Hanukkah.
Happy Holidays however refers to any number of holidays that happen during the same time. I also say it to include New Years. I say it to people I won’t see between Christmas and New Years. I say it to wish both holidays will be happy.
On the same note, I don’t understand how people can be offended by either Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.
Because Jesus is God with us, and sense the world hated him, it hates us as well. I’m refering to the world system, and not nature. Read your bibles. Look at how Jesus was treated. He could have come as king, instead, he was born in a stable, and laid in a feeding troth. He didn’t have anywhere to lay his head, and he was buarryed in a borrowed tumb. Why did Jesus even come, because he is love, and love never fails. He had to come to die, in order so that we might be saved from the punnishment which mankind brought on himself, through adam. I as you to think What our lives would have been like, if Jesus hadn’t come? RJ
I just stick with Happy Holidays. That way, people are not offended by the very offensive ‘Merry Christmas’. Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ can be very tramatic to people, I wouldn’t dare subject people to that kind of misery. Plus, thats the polically greeting. More people will like me.
Marie,
A little background –
I read an article recently about the origin of the Christmas tree and I can’t find it online unfortunately. I believe the original pagan tree was more like a branch stuck in the ground than an evergreen tree. As pagans were converted, their customs evolved into ones with Christian meanings and the decorated tree as we know it eventually became a Christmas tradition in Catholic areas of Western Germany just a few centuries ago. The American Puritans saw it as disrespectful and it wasn’t more widely accepted in America until more and more Germans and Irish arrive and with invention of electric bulbs. Then it was very popular to put the tree in public places.
So historically, the tree evolved into a Christian symbol of Christmas. The fact that pagans used trees symbolically is often used disparagingly by non-believers to denigrate our Christian traditions. I have no problem with using apples and wreaths etc. for decorations as you mentioned. I was just making the point that there were many things common both to the pagan and Christian culture, such as apples.
To clarify, change the last sentence to:
“I was just making the point that there were many things common both to the pagan and Christian cultures, such as apples as well as trees.
Jasper,
(Sarcasm alert)
Being liked it certainly the most important thing at Christmas time because it means more presents.
* * *
I was being facetious earlier. I am not really that offended at hearing “Happy Holidays”, although I much prefer “Merry Christmas”. That said, I think Jesus must be a bit saddened that even believers have caved in to political correctness on this. I will make a point to stay away from stores that have no green and red decorations and no mention of Christmas.
Sorry, I can’t type today.
“Being liked is certainly the most important thing at Christmas time because it means more presents.”
*****
It’s a slow day today. Everyone must be out doing research for this thread.
:)
Janet,
I thought Hal, Carla, Janet and bmmg had a huge discussion on this topic on Stop Stupak thread? :)
Researching!!
Making Christmas cookies, playing Christmas music, putting up the Christmas tree, and running out and buying all new Christmas lights because their life span is only one season long. Christmas cussing at the lights is a family tradition as well!
Janet,
The History Channel has an excellent, short video (2 minutes & 40 seconds) on the history of the Christmas tree.
http://www.history.com/video.do?name=christmas&bcpid=3924558001&bclid=4965944001&bctid=5097594001
Nevertheless, I tend to not get all wound up about manmade traditions. The tree has absolutely nothing to do with the birth of Jesus.
No matter what legend we pass on, it is so important to remember that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I don’t think putting up a tree is wrong, but it fascinates me how many of our “traditions” actually come from pagan origins. I simply choose to keep Christmas as simple as possible so I don’t lose track of the “Reason for the Season”.
RJ Sandefur at December 5, 2009 2:50 PM summed it up very well.
And honestly, isn’t it a bit anal of one to think that someone must say certain words to them as a greeting or when they are leaving? I don’t expect anyone to wish me anything. If they do, I want them to be sincere. Do you really think that the clerk at the store cares if you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, etc., or not?
When and if I actually go to a store, the only thing I’m concerned about is getting in, finding what I want, getting a good price, and getting out. My home is where my heart is, not a store. They are there to supply me with products I need. I expect nothing more or less from them. If they were trashing Jesus, then no, I wouldn’t shop there. But no mention is fine with me. The store is not my church and it doesn’t shake my faith because the word “Christmas” is nowhere to be found.
Hee hee, Carla. :)
May I make an appeal?
Has anyone ever worke with Save the Children? I’m going to sign up for a newsletter if I can (I haven’t found anywhere on their website yet that lets you subscribe), would one of you please sign up to work with them, too? They do awesome work and are really big on everything from disaster relief, world hunger, child mortality, poverty, reproductive health,* and education.
They have an online shopping and do such good. Can someone please look into their program? Supporting it and volunteering for it?
Please… :O
*No, they don’t support abortion. They said that they do not provide or support it unless it’s to save the mother’s life or remove a miscarried baby, in which case it’s not really abortion at all. They support actual reproductive health like pre- and post-natal care, emergency care, newborn health, access to real doctors (not abortionists).
Vannah,
Click on “Publications” on the top. Then, on the left side, bottom, you can sign up for e-newsletters, emergency alerts and ways to help.
:)
Carla,
LOL! Cussing at the lights was a family tradition when I was a child, too! I can picture my Dad as it were yesterday….good times, good times.
Do you work with them, Marie? Or did you just visit? Yay! :D
Vannah,
Your plea provoked me to check it out. I’d like to give to a good organization, but I have a hard time finding a good one. I’ll sign up for their newsletters as well, do some research on them, and if all is good, I’ll send them some cash! Maybe someday, when I’m not chained to a desk, I’ll be able to actually get out there and physically volunteer. That’s my dream!
“Do you really think that the clerk at the store cares if you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, etc., or not?”
Well, I’ve worked retail, and yes, they had better care and say it with a smile. If they don’t, they should find a job where they don’t have to deal with the public.
Are we anal? No.
Well, I’ve worked retail, and yes, they had better care and say it with a smile. If they don’t, they should find a job where they don’t have to deal with the public.
Are we anal? No.
Posted by: Janet at December 5, 2009 5:14 PM
Delusional? Yes.
You seriously believe that a store clerk should genuinely care about you and they must say Merry Christmas to you and it must come from their heart?
I’m ok with anything but rudeness.
BTW, regarding the stores that are boycotted: do they not carry the Nativity scene in any shape or form? I haven’t heard of a store yet (big store, U.S.) that refuses to sell or doesn’t sell some sort of Nativity scene.
You know, even people in customer service don’t HAVE to get wrapped up in this mess of what’s politically correct or not. When I waited tables around December, I just kept my normal routine, gave big smiles and told people to have a great evening or to come back soon. When I’m talking to people I know, I say Happy Holidays. I don’t care what people say to me. Jesus or not, the symbolism behind the winter solstice holiday has always been rebirth, a celebration of the passing of the hardest part of winter, a time to prepare for the good times to come again. So whether it’s about Jesus for you or not, it’s always been a time for joy. That’s what matters to me.
Hey, I found another pro-life liberal: Anne Rice. :)
I always knew I liked her, says I.*
*I seriously always have liked her, pro-life or not. She’s popular in my house. My mom keeps an entire shelf devoted to her. :)
Most importantly:
Thank you very much, Marie! :D
If I get money, I’ll donate it to them, too!
You’re welcome Vannah.
You made it easy. Excellent cause!
I think I’m going to give a goat this Christmas, and hopefully someday I’ll be able to afford the camel!
:)
“You seriously believe that a store clerk should genuinely care about you and they must say Merry Christmas to you and it must come from their heart?”
I don’t recall saying that the clerk HAD to say “Merry Christmas”. When I commented that the store should mention Christmas, I meant it should acknowledge it. Sorry, poor choice of words on my part.
I would prefer Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays if it comes up in conversation. That’s all. I don’t dwell on these things. It just happens to be the topic of this thread. I realize Christmas is about Jesus’ birth. I actually spend as little time in the stores as I can.
Have a good evening, Marie.
I haven’t really started shopping yet. However, an anecdote from last Christmas.
On Christmas Day, after 9 A.M. Mass, in my very Catholic corner of a NYC Borough, in a VERY Italian pastry shop, all of the girls behind the counter were wishing customers a “Happy Holiday”.
When my turn came, looking and acting clueless, I asked this high school girl what holiday it was. They all stopped and turned to see what a Martian looked like. “It’s Christmas” was the stunned and tentative reply.
“Then say Merry Christmas!” was my tart retort. The patrons burst into applause.
You live in New York City? Jealousy! :O
Hi Vannah,
Yes. All 49 years of my life, a native New York City kid. How about you?
I’ve never heard of a Hannakauh tree. Or a Kwanzaa tree or a Festivus tree. :p They can call it a CHRISTMAS tree.
I LOVE “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and am glad that ABC airs it every year.
In fact, when I was at Shopko on Friday, and they had this Charlie and Linus figures thing that had a “press for sound” Linus tell what “Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”. Really wanted it, but hoping will still be around in a week or so.
I live in a small town that’s ninety percent gang activity and illegal animal fights and the other ten percent is a thriving meth scene. I love my state (New Mexico) but would be perfectly happy if a giant asteroid struck the town.
But I’ve been to New York City once this summer. I got to go on my sixteenth birthday as part of a school trip. I still owe a lot of money to my mom because I couldn’t afford it on my own- hopefully I’ll be able to get a job soon.
But that’s so cool that you live in New York City. Which part of the city do you live in?
Vannah, I live in NYC too! I was born in Brooklyn but I live in Queens now, in a neighborhood called Astoria. I LOVE my neighborhood – some people get all het up about being outside Manhattan, but I’m
That’s so cool, Alexandra! I wish that I could live in New York. I set a lot of stories there and live vicariously through them. *Sigh.*
So you’ve been to Europe, too? Whoa! Where did you go? :)
A bunch of places! It was awesome. Six weeks. We started in France, but we hit Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium before finishing in England – spent varying lengths of time in each place. I got to see and do so many cool things.
I know the Gap is on the Naughty list but that is the ONLY place I can get jeans for my daughter that dont hang off her tush. I bought two pairs yesterday for her for Christmas and was happy when the sales clerk handed me my bag and said Merry Christmas!
That’s good to hear, Kristen!
Merry Christmas! :)
“I LOVE “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and am glad that ABC airs it every year.”
“In fact, when I was at Shopko on Friday, and they had this Charlie and Linus figures thing that had a “press for sound” Linus tell what “Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”. Really wanted it, but hoping will still be around in a week or so.”
Posted by: LizFromNebraska at December 6, 2009 9:07 AM
Liz,
Walgreens is selling a “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” for about $10.00. It’s basically a single evergreen branch mounted on a small block of wood. Cute idea, but much cheaper to make at home if you’re handy. :) Merry Christmas.
Hi Vannah,
Happy Sweet Sixteen (belatedly).
I was born in Brooklyn and now live in Staten Island. (The headquarters for “Priests for Life” is in my Parish.
So, what did you see and do in NYC this summer? Favorite parts? What would you see and do the next time?
Well, to show how the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, much as I love NYC, I’m about ready for a small town. New Mexico sounds great, except for the gangs. Tell me, are the gangs in your town more of a headache for teens, or are they really bad with adults too?
Best part of small town life?
New Mexico isn’t all gangs, but, admittedly, we do have a higher problem with things like gangs and drugs than most states; we also have a higher rate of poverty. In my town, gangs are bad and the town is so small that there’s no “bad part of town” that you’re supposed to avoid- there’s only one part of town. It’s largely something that you deal with every day- lots of the honor students are friends with the person who vandalized the side of the gas station. Everyone knows everyone else.
I’m very fortunate that, while I’ve seen drugs before and alcohol before, I’ve never had a problem with it. I keep away from that and I’ve been very lucky that it has kept away from me. Very, very lucky. :)
But I don’t want to give the wrong impression of my state. We try hard and have a lot going for us- we have the coolest culture in the country (okay, well, I’m biased), and, even though half of the population is outside of Albuquerque, we all act like we live there. We all keep an eye on it and we all know our way around and everyone knows the city like the back of their hands. It’s Our City. We have lots of art, mostly in Santa Fe, and we have a unique blend of Mexican, Native American, Spanish, Anglo, Old West, and American cultures. We operate as our own little country and, while most states are proud of their famous celebrities or powerhouse politicians, we idolize Billy the Kid. He’s the pride of New Mexico. Alright…
We all sort of cling to the outlaws… ^.^
In New York City, I got to see the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, some of the Public Library, Wall Street, a church that I can’t remember the name of, Tiffany’s (of “Breakfast at” fame), and the Statue of Liberty. Sort of. The tour lady was awful and she rushed us through everything so we spent like a grand total of five minutes at everything and didn’t get to see everything before we had to leave again. I really wanted to see SoHo (I stood in SoHo…for two minutes). It was for an art field trip. I’m not in art…but they let me come anyways because I’m friends with the art teacher’s daughter and my sister is The Chosen One. She radiates art. :)
Anyways, she screamed, “We have to GOOOO!” and we ended up getting to all of the dining places thirty minutes early. So we mostly sat at buffets and dreamed about sneaking off to find famous people and try and figure out exactly where Audrey Hepburn was standing in that black dress.
Since I’m such a Law & Order nut, I conducted my mini tour: A Law & Order Fans View of Manhattan. I found lots of places where Law & Order was filmed and discussed the episode, the scenery, and identified some of the ratings shares. :P
So you said that you have a Ph.D. in biology. That’s cool. What do you do as a career? Are you like a doctor? Wow! Science is really hard. :)