I've never looked at a blog on Christmas day before. Today's a first, and, of course, Instapundit is up, and linking to the Bleat, which also has a Christmas post.
I was thinking yesterday about how hardly anybody said to me, "Merry Christmas." It was all "Happy Holidays." But let me ask you this — do you call your tree a "Holiday Tree"? It's Christmas people. If an atheist can celebrate Christmas, can't everybody else?
I don't see why Christmas, as Christmas, needs to be an uncomfortable time for people, but apparently it is.
I got a call from a dear friend yesterday. He's Catholic. His girlfriend is Jewish. They're staying at a relative's house who is Baptist. The Baptist family wanted everybody to attend the midnight Christmas service at their church. My friend was wondering how to handle it, and what to expect. Would they be proselytized? My advice: Go. Have a good time. Experience somebody else's traditions as a chance to explore and learn. I've been to Catholic and Jewish services before. It's an educational adventure. And if they preach at you, smile and say, "Thank you for your concern about me, and I'll certainly think about what you have to say, but right now, I think we should just enjoy Christmas together."
Of course, who am I to speak ... apparently, I'm in the doghouse with my family for not sending out Christmas cards. I never send out Christmas cards. Of course, this is the first year I'm not in San Diego at Christmas either.
This was the first Christmas Billie and I spent as just the two of us — no family, no friends, not even her sons. We had a nice dinner last night, and watched a movie. This morning, we slept in, watched some of one or two of the Christmas parades on the teevee, then opened our presents. In a bit, we'll go to "Elf" at the local cinema house. It's raining, and quiet and cozy.
Well, not too quiet. I'm listening to disc 2 of the Anthology of American Folk Music, edited by Harry Smith. A box set I've long desired. This is what my wife got me. She also gave me some clothing, and a box set of 70s punk rock — ah, the music of my youth.
For her, there was the "Seabiscuit Collection," by which I mean I got her the book, the movie and the PBS documentary. I also gave her a few other books, some perfume and a yoga set. All my shopping was accomplished online. No malls. I didn't even need to wrap anything!
So no terrorists-at-the-malls worries for me.
But I haven't worried about terrorists anyway. Orange alert be damned. Has it occurred to anyone that all of the chatter our intelligence workers pick up is, in itself, an act of terrorism. If people are terrorized, even if no bombs explode or noxious gasses fill the air, is a terrorist act? I really don't expect Al Queda to strike at such an obvious time as Christmas. That would be too easy, and less effective then striking when we least expect it, when we're looking the other way. In the meantime, AQ can use our paranoia against us, planting disinformation to increase our jitters and change our behavior.
That's not for me. I'm living my life just as if there were no AQ. And I'm also living it as if there were no P.C. So, I say to all, Merry Christmas!
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Eryk
"Experience somebody else's traditions as a chance to explore and learn."
Yet, you want everyone to accept and celebrate Christmas. Am I missing something?
I think saying 'Happy Holidays' is an excellent way to show acceptance of the plethora of holidays that take place during this time. By using a smidgen more brainpower you're ensuring that not only everyone is comfortable, but that you yourself have accepted the possibility of a pluralist holiday season.
I think it'd be nice if the 71% of the US population that consider themselves Christian attempt learn about the holiday traditions of other's for a change instead of expecting the Jews, Atheists, and what-have-you to enjoy being force-fed sermons and pageants in the name of 'education'.
When did common courtesy go out of style?
2 - Ms. Tek
I'm going to have to agree with Eryk on this one. This seems a very hypocritical post... Esp when you consider that "Christmas Trees" aren't actually Christian at all but a pagan thing steaming from burning the Yule log on the longest night in pagan beliefs.
Even the date of Christmas is borrowed from the Roman holiday of Saturnalia.
It happens that this time of year is special for so many people of so many beliefs and cultures. It is just common courtesy to respect everyone's holiday.
If you are so worry about "Christmas", then I suggest that you attend Church regularly and try to follow the traditions that you have as a Christian for yourself and worry a little less what other people are doing.
3 - Dan
I'm with Howard. I don't see it as a lack of courtesy to wish people a Merry Christmas. Too bad some folks are such sour-pusses. Courtesy runs both ways. As a truly courteous person I would graciously accept in the warm spirit it is given, Happy Hanukka, Happy Kwanza, or even a sincere Happy Wiccan debauchery day! So thank you Howard, and Merry Christmas to you as well.
4 - BB
Let's not ruin a beautiful time of the year being petty. Shall we wish a Jewish person Happy Honika or Happy Holidays? Or how about wishing a Muslin Happy Holidays instead of Happy Rammaddan? Like it or not Christmas is a Christian holiday so Merry Christmas to all!
5 - Howard Owens
Never let it be said that the P.C. crowd doesn't keep their narrow little minds running in the same circles 365 days a year.
Dan has the right idea.
6 - Ms. Tek
It's not PC to wish someone a happy holiday.
Christmas
Christ+mas
Christ.
Some of us don't believe in Christ. Some of us have what you would call a "Christmas" tree, but have nothing to do with Christ at all.
Personally, if you want to have a Jesus Birthday, that is cool and I respect that. But I would hope that you would respect that I am not into the Jesus thing, no more than I am into Allah, or Jewish, or Kwanzaa.
Happy Holidays really isn't offensive- except maybe to people who are Christan Bible thumpers... And well... that speaks for itself, IMHO.
More of the dominance of Western Christian ideals, eh? If you aren't American, you better be into Jesus or you are a commie, pinko, terrorist.
Perhaps we can just make it easier and deport everyone who isn't Christan, white, etc...
While we're at it, since we like to pick on the French, better send the Statue of Liberty back to France.
That's funny... something that is often used as a symbol of America and American freedom was a gift to the United States by the French.
I say we pull it down and burn it!
AMERICA FOR AMERICANS!!!
*waves flag and shoots gun*
I will defend my right to HOOTERS GIRLS!!!
BUT THEY BETTER ALL BE BLOND AND VIRGINS!!!
Gimmie a Bud! It's gonna be a long 2004 and I'll need all I can defend against the pinko, liberal, pc, terrorists!
*scratches balls and wanders off into the woods*
7 - Ms. Tek
Oh... and for the orgins of Chirstmas...
This guy actually has his facts right:
http://www.therant.info/archives/000346.html
8 - Howard Owens
It's truly amazing to me that people who proclaim themselves to be open minded and tolerant think nothing of spewing out the most vile and hateful stuff. They think nothing, for example, of taking an expression of openness to people of all faiths and turning it into a reason to rant about their own hatred of Christians. Amazing, amazing stuff. Some people can't see past the ends of their noses, given all the fog in their brains. If you think I'm proposing anything more than an open society, you've dove head first into the eggnog tonight, I'm afraid.
Oh, but I guess my opinion doesn't count, since I'm proposing the same openness toward Christians that the P.C. crowd expects Christians to show to everyone else. That makes me backward somehow, I guess.
Imgine, the gall, to think that I think Christianity should be respected as much as Islam or Atheisim. I should be ashamed.
Well, I'll just shut up now since I'm just an ignorant ball scratcher. Why, I probably even pick my nose!
9 - Ms. Tek
Hmmm I see no vile hatred toward Christians here. Methinks you read what you want to read.
But then again, if you aren't into Christ and voice your displeasure that your beliefs aren't given the same respect, then it becomes hatred of Christians.
Goose, Gander, Pot, Kettle and all that. ;)
10 - Eryk
Once again, I don't consider it very open minded to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and then have the audacity to be offended when you encounter someone that doesn't swing that way. My response wasn't about hatred of Christians or anything else for that matter. I just wish that more people would step outside their own comfort zones to consider the fact that their are a number of other holidays being observed.
I don't find saying 'Happy Holidays' to a Christian to be a closed practice. What you obviously fail to recognize is that I'm trying to give you and your beliefs the same respect and credit I give others. Short of handing out survey's to everyone I come in contact with asking them to check a box indicating their choice of religion, I don't really know what more I can do. We're talking about equal respect, no more, no less. It sounds to me that you're offended at the very thought of being considered equal. This is what I find the most offensive.
Throw around buzzwords like "political correctness" if you like. If all you're going to do is write this off as another tree-hugging-liberal-attack directed at Christianity then I'm not sure why you broached this subject in the first place. Going further, why you would post about an issue that obviously affected you this year and take the time to only reply with sarcasm, when some people took the time to put together well thought out replies, is beyond me.
Fact: Most people in the US are brought up learning about Christmas whether they are Christian or not. Lots of public schools still sing religious songs and put together Christmas-themed events.
These people were forced to learn about your religion ever since they were little kids. Accusing them of being close-minded is asinine. When was the last time you saw a special about a family celebrating Kwanzaa or Hanukah in prime-time on NBC? I think you are taking a lot of societies overwhelming support of Christmas for granted and failing to recognize the near-total lack of inclusion of other celebrations.
Not being very religious myself, I could absolutely care less about whether some stranger wishes me a Merry Christmas as a sign off on my gift purchases. It's the thought that counts and I fully recognize that. It's when you blow it out of proportion and wag your finger at the minorities accusing them of being closed-minded does it really bother me.
11 - Howard Owens
Yes, Erik, responding with "I will defend my right to HOOTERS GIRLS!!!" is really well thought out and thoughtful and fully deserves more respect than I've shown. Thank you for helping me understand that. Oh, and it was also very thoughtful of you to read into my post that I said everybody should "celebrate Christmas." That showed some real deep thinking there, Erik.
Yeah, I get pissed off when people impose their own agendas on what I write, instead of, you know, actually READING what I write.
BTW: How do you know I'm a Christian? You're assuming facts not in evidence, so how thoughtful is that? There's nothing in my post that identifies me as a Christian. In fact, I link to a column by an ATHEIST who is saying essentially the same thing I am. (I'm not saying one way or the other here what my spiritual beliefs are, just pointing out that you're bringing your own pre-conceived notions to my post instead of reading it for what it is).
12 - Dan
What's the problem Eryk? If you would rather say "happy holiday" than recognizing anyones specific holiday, that's fine. I don't think anyone's objecting.
13 - Howard Owens
BTW: Dan brings up a good point. My criticism, if you want to call it a crictism, is that any one specific person would prefer saying "happy holidays," it is that some many more people feel compelled to say "happy holidays." Those who read my post carefully would probably understand that, but those looking for a bigot behind every expression of tolerance for Christianity would probably see it otherwise.
I've wished people happy Hanukka before, and been wished the same. No problem, at least not for me.
And more than complaining, I'm just observing a trend, a trend that in the larger scheme of things probably doesn't mean a hell of a lot, but that doesn't mean I need to go along with it (though apparently Erik and Victoria feel differently). I still want to note the trend and maybe suggest that other people who think the trend is a little over-the-top PCness, will do as I do and stick to "Merry Christmas." I don't understand why some people think we should all march to the same drummer, but as the responses to this post shows, those people are out there ... let's all wish everybody one big HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Don't stray from the party line now!
14 - Ms. Tek
"Yeah, I get pissed off when people impose their own agendas on what I write, instead of, you know, actually READING what I write."
Hahaha...
So if someone writes in response something that is contrary to what you wrote, that means that they are IMPOSING THEIR OWN AGENDAS.
aka
If you don't agree with me, you must have an agenda.
Well, that makes it all so much clearer now!
15 - Al Barger
Rather than pissing on other people's parades, folks of non-Christian traditions should simply offer their own contributions to holiday celebrations from their own perspective- or alternate traditions or holy days.
Perhaps the Jewish kids would like to have their rabbi come in and do a little presentation for Passover, for example.
Let 1,000 flowers bloom.
That's what the Bargerterian Dandelionists say.
16 - Ms. Tek
Howard, I just checked my email... Please, if you have something to say, do so let the public read...
I'm guessing it was an oversight on your part... Tell you what... Let me share the joy!
"How very smug. I bet you thought I never studied this issue before, uh?
Thanks for the education. I'm so much more enlightened now. Why, I'm downright ashamed of my previous ignorance.
H.
t"
and
"You are a particularly smug and self-satisified person, aren't you?
H."
If being comfortable with myself and proud of my education and the fact that I like to learn new things and will stick up for what I believe and state my opinions means that I am smug...
Hehe, yeah, guess I am... You and Craig can start a fan club about me... I can give you the email addresses of the other people who send me fan mail... Maybe you can form a mailing list and bond and trade holiday recipes and stuff ;)
17 - Howard Owens
Victoria, wasn't an oversight ... and I find nothing in my PRIVATE e-mail to you embarrassing, so you have my belated permission to post it here, but I think it says quite a bit out about you that you would post private e-mail in a public forum.
18 - Dan
Merry Christmas Al.
19 - Ms. Tek
I think that you sending me emails about how you find me smug and self satisfied about my opinions on Blogcritics says alot about you as well. =)
Glad we can agree that there is a lot to be said about each other!
Word of advice... don't take things on here so PERSONAL.
And be careful what kinds of emails you send to strangers! You never know where they may end up!
20 - Eryk
Once again, more sarcasm and selective reading skills in use. I also love the fact that you didn't read my posts carefully enough to get the spelling of my name right yet you accuse me of not reading what you have to say. Moving right along.
You call me a bigot because I'm trying to be inclusive of you and others I come in contact with yet you want people to form a coalition to fight this vile trend and "Just Say No" to "Happy Holidays." The very fact that you consider me intolerant of Christianity further proves that fact that you are simply offended by the very though of being considered equal to everyone else. It's disgusting, especially during a time of year that usually revolves around peace and brotherly love.
You continue to throw buzzwords like "politically correct" and "agenda" around like you're being interviewed on the O'Reilly Factor and refuse to actually comment on any of the points that have been broached. What a way to frame a discussion for people that don't understand their subconscious responses to language. Why the hell would you post about this in the first place if you're not going to begin to respond with any adult-like tone? It's a shame really. I'm always interested to hear what people with intelligent points of view have to say but this entry and it's subsequent comments fall far, far short. I suppose I'll take my "agenda" and skedaddle. A Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Victoria: Stay strong. An education and open mind are seen as deadly weapons by many and are frequently confiscated at airport bag-checks.
21 - Howard Owens
Eryk, sorry for misspelling your name.
But still, your talking past the issue instead of, you know, paying attention. Since you want to associate yourself with Victoria's callow remarks, then I guess any insults thrown her way that stung you were not as misdirected as might otherwise be perceived.
I note also, that I used the word "agenda" ONCE (though I fail to see why you find it offensive), yet you and Victoria have used it a combined FIVE times. And you're accusing me of throwing the word around repeatedly. Cute.
If you're all about open mindedness, I fail to see what objection you have with my post, then? It is, after all, nothing more than a PLEA for open mindedness and tolerance. So why do you want to keep arguing with me and doing your damnest to be insulting? And I'm supposed to learn about open mindedness from you and Victoria? Please!
22 - Howard Owens
Victoria, yeah, it says I'm a person of discernment.
And, I am careful. That's why I kept a civil tongue.
It's so precious, isn't it, to level a personal attack at someone and then say, "don't take it personally."
Whatever makes you feel better.
23 - Ms. Tek
Howard...
Now you are just sulking. You were hypocritical in your post. It's there in black and white. Perhaps next time you decide to write something like that, you might take a moment to think of it a little bit more. Oh at the very least, don't whine about "agendas" when someone disagrees with you.
"Have a good time. Experience somebody else's traditions as a chance to explore and learn. I've been to Catholic and Jewish services before. It's an educational adventure. And if they preach at you, smile and say, "Thank you for your concern about me, and I'll certainly think about what you have to say, but right now, I think we should just enjoy Christmas together."
That was the damning statement there. In essence you're saying.. "It's nice that you are showing your Jewish/Muslim/Pagan/What have you beliefs but let's celebrate my Christmas" You in essence are invalidating their beliefs right there. This isn't a pc thing at all... Unless insulting other people's religion is acceptable now?
I just read your bio... I find it esp interesting that you are now using tactics that you accuse "liberals" of.
Trust me, I have no interest in teaching you anything. I'm still amused by the fact you saw to send me emails about your opinion of me.
Just let go of some of that anger and have a beer man!
24 - Howard Owens
Victoria ... I don't even know were to begin with you ... you invent stuff out of pure ether and then say it's in black and white ... imposing meanings that are not there at all. This is the most fucking useless thread I've ever been involved with. Why don't quit while you're ahead, before you dump your entire glob of ignorance on us.
25 - Ms. Tek
OMG...
You are a real funnyman... Now you just made me spit my beer
"It's so precious, isn't it, to level a personal attack at someone and then say, "don't take it personally."
Did you or did you not take the time to email me about how "smug and self-satisfied" I am. Well that wasn't a very nice thing to say. It was kinda creepy you emailed me that. For something I said to strike a nerve in you so much, you felt the need to email me personally as opposed to debate the issue here on Blogcritics where you brought it up in the first place? I usually only get negative mail from people people who have been following my website... not from comments I make on others.
"This is the most fucking useless thread I've ever been involved with. Why don't quit while you're ahead, before you dump your entire glob of ignorance on us."
That's funny... since you are the one who started the thread!!
There is only one person who is showing their ignorance in this thread and it isn't me.
But keep em coming. I do find this ever so entertaining!